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BARBAROSSA.
TRAGEDY.
As it is Performed at the
Theatre -Royal in Drury-Lanc.
LO N T> 0 N:
Printed for J. and R. Tov^on and S. Draper in the Strand.
MDCCLV. [Price ii. 6^.
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PROLOGUE,
I
Written by Mr. G a r r i c k, andfpoken by him
in the CharaSler of a Country Boy.
Meajier f Me after!
5 not my Meafter here among you, pray ?
Nay, /peak— -my Meafter vjrote this Jine nenjo Play---
The Acior -Folks are making fuch a Clatter!
They nxjant the Pro-log — / kno-iv nought o' //&' Matter !
He miifl be there among you — look about —
ji Weezen, pale-facd Man, do — -find him out —
Pray, Meafter, come — or all fwill fall to Sheame
Call Mifter — hold— I muft not tell his Name.
Laijo ! 'vjhat a Croud is here ! luhat Noife and Pother !
Fine Lads and Lajfes ! one 6' top o" father. [Pointing to the Rows
I cou'dfor e'ver here nvith Wonder geaze ! of Pit and Gallery.]
/ ne''er faiM Church fo full in all my Days ! —
Tour SerHjunt, Surs I — ivhat do you laugh for ? Eh !
Toil donna take me fure for one 6" th^ Play ?
^ Touflsoud not flout an honeft Country-Lad, —
Tou think me fool, and I think you half mad:
Toure all as ft range as I, and ftranger too.
And, if you laugh at me. Til laugh at you. [Laughing.
I donna like your London Tricks, not I,
And fince you^e rais'd my Blood, I^ II tell yowvjhy ?
' >N And if you i^joull, ftnce Jtonv I am before ye.
For <want of Pro-log, Til relate my Story.
I came from Country here to try ?n\' Fate,
And get a Place among the Rich and Great ;
But troth Tm fick <?' //>' Journey I ha to'en^
I like it not — njooud I ivere ^jchoame again.
Firft, in the City I took up my Station,
And got a Place ^vjith one of th" Corporation^
A round big Man — he eat a plagy deal,
Zooks ! he^d ha've beat ft've Ploomen at a Meat !
^ But long n.vith him I coud not make abode,
~~ For, coud you think' t? — He eat a great Sea-Toad!
It came frotn Indies — ^t'v:as as big as me.
He calfd it Belly-patch, and Capapee :
Laew ! honu I ftard ! — / thought^ — vjho knonvs, but I,
For tvant of Monfters, may he made a Pye ;
Rather than tarry here for Bribe or Gain,
Til back to nvhoame, and Country-Fare again.
I left Toad-eater ; then I far'vd a Lord,
^ And there they protnis^d ! — but ne'er kept their Word.
(Jj While 'mong the Great, this Geaming Work the Trade is,
• They mind no more poor Ser-vants, than their Ladies.
^ A 2 A
v-,^.
PROLOGUE.
A Lady next, 'who lilCd a /mart young Lad,
Hird me forthnmth — hut^ troth, I thought her mad.
She turnd the World top do-in, as I may fay.
She chan£d the Vay to Neet, the Nect to Day !
I 'iK:as fo Jheamd <vjith all her freakijh Ways,
She ^ccre her Gear fo Jbort, fo lonjj her Stays —
Fine Folks JheKV all for Nothing nonv-a-Days f
Notv Vm the Poet''s Man — I fr.d ijctth Wits,
7here''s Nothing fariain — Nay, mue eat ky Fits.
Our Meals, indeed, are flender, — ixhat of that ?
There are hut three ons — Mcafer, I, and Cat.
Did you but fee us all, as Tm a Sinner,
Youd fcarcely fay, nxihich of the three is thinner.
My Wages all depend on this Night'' s Piece,
But fhou d you find that all our Sivans are Geefel
Efeck ril truji no more to Meajhrs Brain,
But pack up all, and n*;hijile 'whoame again.
EPILOGUE,
Written by Mr. GARRICK.
Spoken hy Mr. Woodward in the Chara^er of a
fine Gentleman.
Enter — fpefikjng without.
PS H AW ! — damn your Epilogue — and hold your Tongue^
Shall ive of Rank be told ivhnt''s right and 'wrong t
Had you ten Epilogues you fhou d not fpeak "em,
Iho^ he had ixrit "em all in Linguum Grecum.
rildo't by all the Gods ! — (you muj} excufe me)
Iho' Author, A^iors, Audience, all abufe me I
To the Audience.
Behold a Gentleman / — and that" s enough! —
Laugh if you pleafe — /// take a Pinch of Snuff I
I come to tell you — (let it nctfurprife you)
That I "m a Wit — and^ujorthy to ad'vife you. —
Ho^w could you fuffer that fame Countr-^ Booby,
That Prologue fpeakuig Savage, — that great Looby,
To talk his Nonfenfe ? — ginje me Leave te fay
"Tvjas lonv — damnd loiv ! — but fat-e the Fellov."s PIca-—
Let the poor Devil eat,--all'j'w him that.
And give a Meal to Mealier, Mon, and Cat,
Butiihy attack the Fajhions ? — Stnfelefs Rogue! —
We have no yoys but ivhat refult from Vogue :
The Mode fhou d all Controll — ««>, evry Pa£ion,
Senfe, Appetite, and all, give v.ay to Fajhion ;
/ hati
EPILOGUE.
I hate as much as he, a Turtle-Feaft,
Pt<t ^ till the prefent Turtle-^^^^ has ceased,
Fd ride a hundred Miles to make myfelf a Beajl.
I have no Ears, — -yet Op'ras I adore! —
Ahvays prepard to die — to fleep — no more /
The Ladies too ivere carped at, and their Drefs,
He ix-avts ^em all ruffed up like good'^een Befs/
They are, forfooth, too much exposed, and free— '
Were fiiorc expos'' d, no ill Effeds I fee.
For more, or lefs, Uis all the fame to ?ne.
Poor Gaming too, 'was mauld among the ref.
That precious Cordial to a high-life Breaft /
When Thoughts arife I ahvays game, or drink.
An Englifli Gentleman Jhou d nci-er think —
The Reafons plain, HKhich eij'ry Soul might hit on —
What trims a Frenchman, overfets a Briton ;
Jn us Refle£iion breeds a fober Sadnefs,
M hich ah':ays ends in Politicks or Madnefs :
1 there] ore ncnx> prcpofe — hy your Commaiui,
That Tragedies no more fpall cloud this Land ;
Send ccr your Shakefpears to the Sons o/Trance,
Let thern gro^w gran:e — Let us begin to dance !
Bfoiijh your gloomy Scenes to foreign Climes,
Rcfei'L-e alone to blefs thefe golden Times,
A Fane or t<v:o — and Woodward's Pantomimes !
\
\
The Author of the Prologue and Epilogue, would not
have publifn'd them had it not been cuftomary to print
them with the Play. He is very fenfible that they can
have little or no Merit in the Reading, their Effeft
wholly depending upon the Charaders which fpeak
them, and the Novelty of introducing them. They
were likewife written at a very fhort Warning, for the
Author of the Play, had not provided thefe ufual, and
therefore neceflary. Parts of the Performance, which
Mr. Garrick thought proper to provide at all Events.
DR A-
DRAMATIS PERSONS.
Barbarossa, Mr. Moflbp.
A c H M E T, Mr. Garrick.
Othman, Mr. Havard.
S A D I, Mr. Davies.
Aladin, Mr. Ufher.
Officer, Mr. Mozeen.
Slave, Mr. Walker.
Z A p H I R A, Mrs. Cibber.
Irene, Mifs Macklin.
Slave, Mifs Minors.
Officers, Attendants, and Slaves.
Scene, the Royal Palace ^t/" A l g i e r s.
Time, a few Hciirs about Midnight,
ADVERTISEMENT.
TRAGEDY, as it was anciently compofed, hath been
ever held the graveft, moraleft, and moll profitable of
all other Poems. Hence Philofophers, and other graveft
Writers, as, Cicero, Plutarch, and others, frequently cite out
of Tragic Poets, both to adorn and illuftrate their Difcourfe,
The ApoftleP^w/himfeJf, thought it not unworthy to infert
a Verfe of a Greek Poet into the Text of Holy Scripture. —
Heretofore, Men in higheft Dignity have laboured, not a
little, to be thought able to compofe a Tragedy. Of that
Honour Dionyfius the Elder, was no lefs ambitious, than be-
fore, of his attaining to the Tyranny, ylugujius Ca-far alio
had begun his Jjax, but unable to pleafe his own Judg-
ment, left it unfinifhed. Seneca the Philofopher, is by fome
thought the Author of thofeTragedies, at leall the beft of them
that go under that Name. Gregory 'bia-zianxen, a Father of
the Church, thought it not unbefeeming the Sanctity of his
Perfon to write a Tragedy, which is intitled, Chrift buffering.
This is mentioned, to -vindicate Tragedy from the fmall
Efteem, or rather Infamy, which in the Account of many, it
undergoes at this Day,"
So far the great Milton: who ftrengthen'd thefe Examples
by his on.vn. The Author hath nothing more to add, fave
only, that he hath aimed to write this Piece, in its eff'ential
Parts, according to the Model of ancient Tragedy, fo far
as modern Ideas and Manners wou'd permit. And he is fo
gratefully fenfible of th.it favourable Reception it hath met
with from the Public, that in every future Attempt, he will
affiiredly labour to merit their farther Regards, by keeping
in his Eye the fame great Oi iginals.
- tailh fglJIf ■»!&> r*
,.- Sa.thi tWJft. sCroi c*
BARBAROSSA,
ACT I.
Enter Othman and a Slave.
O T H M A N.
JMT^^Itt^ Stranger, fay'ft thou, that inquires of Othman?
H j!^>^ Slave.
53^ r^ He does ; and waits Admittance^
jJ^^'^JHt Othman.
Did he tell
His Name and Quality ?
Slave.
That, he declined:
But caird himfelf thy Friend.
O T H M a K\
Where dldft thou fee him ?
Slave.
Ev'n now, while Twilight clos'd the Day, I fpy'd him
Mufmg amid' the Ruins of yon Tow'r
That overhangs the Flood. On my Approach,
With Afpca ftern, and Words of Import dark.
He queftion'd me of Othman. Then the Tear
Stole
8 BARBAROSSA.
Stole from his Eye. But when I talk'd of Pow'r
And courtly Honours here conferr'd on thee,
His Frown grew darker : All I wifh'd, he cry'd,
Is to confer with him, and then to die.
O T H M A N.
What may this mean .''---Condud the Stranger to mcf.
\Exlt SliTCC.
Perhaps fome worthy Citizen, return'd
From voluntary Exile to A l g i e r s,
Once known in happier Days.
Enter S A D I*
Ah, S A D I here !
My honor'd Friend !
S A D I.
Stand ofF— pollute me not.
Thefe honefi: Arms, tho' worn with Want, difdain
Thy gorgeous Trappings, earn'd by foul Diflionour-
Othm AN.
Forbear thy rafh Reproaches : for beneath
This Habit, which to thy miftaken Eye
Befpeaks my Guilt, I wear a Heart as true
As Sadi's to my King.
Sadi.
Why then beneath
This curfed Roof, this black Ufurper's Palace,
Dar'ft thou to draw infected Air, and live
The Slave of Infolence ! Why lick the Duft
Beneath his Feet, who laid Algiers in Ruin.^
But Age, which fliou'd have taught thee honeft Caution,
Has taught thee Treachery !
Othm AM.
Miftaken Man '
Cou'd PafTion prompt me to licentious Speech
Like thiflc—
S A i>i.
B A R B A R O S S A. 9
Sadi.
Peace, falfe one ! Peace ! The Slave to Pow'r
Still wears a pliant Tongue.— -O Shame to dwell
With Murder, Luft, and Rapine !— Did he not
Come from the Depths of B a r c a's Solitude,
With fair Pretence of Faith and firm Alliance ?
Did not our grateful King, with open Arms,
Receive him as his Gueft ? O fatal Hour !
Did he not then with hot, adult'rous Eye,
Gaze on the Queen Z a p h i r a ? Yes, 'twas Luft,
Luft gave th' infernal Whifper to his Soul,
And bade him Murder, if he wou'd enjoy!
O, complicated Horrors ! hell-born Treach'ry !
T'hen fell our Countr}', when good S E l i M dy'd !
Yet thou, pernicious Traitor, unabafti'd
Can'ft wear the Murd'rer's Badge.
O T H M AN.
Yet hear me, Sad i
Sad I.
What can Diftionour plead ?
O T H M A K.
Yet blame not Prudence.
Sadi.
Prudence ! the ftale Pretence of ev'ry Knave !
The Traitor's ready Mafk !
O T H M A N.
Yet ftill I love thee :
Yet unprovok'd by thy intemperate Zeal.
Bethink thee !— might I not infult thy Flight
With the Foul Names of Fear or Perfidy?
Didft thou not fly, when Barbarossa's Sword
Reek'd with the Blood of thy brave Countrymen ?
What then did I ?— Beneath this hated Roof,
In Pity to my widow'd Queen—
Sadi.
In Pity ?
fi O T H M A N,
JO B A R B A R O S S A.
O T H M A N.
Yes, S A D I : Heav'n is Witnefs-, Pity fway'd me.-
S A D I.
Words, Words ! Difllmulation all, and Guilt !
O T H M A N.
With honeft Guile I did iiiroU my Name
In the black Lift of B a R b a r o s s a's Friends :
In hope, that feme propitious Hour might rife.
When Heav'n would dafli the Murd'rer from his Throne,
And give young S e l i m to his orphan'd People^
S a D 1.
Indeed ! can'ft thou be true ?
O T H M a N.
By Heav'n, I am.
S a D I.
Why then diflemble thus ?
O T H M A K.
Have I not told thee ? _ .
I held it vain, to ftem the Tyrant's Pow'r
By the weak Sallies of an ill-tim'd Rage.
S A D I.
Enough : I find thee hoxieft : And with Pride
Will join thy Councils. This, my faithful Arm,
Wafted with Mifery, fhall gain i)ew Nerves
For brave Refolves. Can aught, my Friend, be done ?
Can aught be dar'd ?
O T H M A N.
We groan beneath the Scourge.
This very M6rn, on falfe Pretence of Vengeance,
For the foul Alurder of our honor'd King,
Five guiltlefs Wretches perifh'd on the Rack.
Our long-lov'd Friends, and braveft Citizens,
Self-banifh'd to the Defart, mourn in Exile :
While the fell Tyrant lords it o'er. a Crew
Of abje6l Sycophants, the needy Tools
Of Pow'r ufurp'd j and a degen'rate Tr^ain
Pf Slavey ill, Arms. ~ Sa,di.
B A R 6 A R 0 S ^ A . ii
S A D I.
O my devoted Country !---
But fay, the widow'd Queen— my Heart bleeds for her,
Ot H M A N.
If Pain be Life, fhe lives : But in fuch Woe,
As Want and Slavery might view with Pity,
And blefs their happier Lot ! Hemm'd round by Terrors,
Within this cruel Palace, once the Seat
Of ev'ry Joy, thro' fev'n long tedious Years,
She weeps her murder'd Lord, her exil'd Son,
Her People fall'n : the Murd'rer of her Lord,
Returning now from Conqueft o'er the Moors,
Tempts her to Marriage ; fpurr'd at once by Luft,
And black Ambition. But with noble Firmnefs,
Surpaffing the female, fhe rejects his Vows,
Scorning the horrid Union. Meantime he.
With ceafelefs Hate, purfues her exil'd Son ;
And— Oh ! detefted Monfter ! [Hg zi^ecps.
Sa DI.
Yet more Deeds
Of Cruelt)' ! Juft Heaven !
O T H M A N.
His Rage purfues
The virtuous Youth, ev'n into foreign Climes.
Ere this, perhaps, he bleeds. A murd'ring Ruffian
Is fent to watch his Steps, and plunge the Dagger
Into his guiltlefs Breaft.
S A D I.
Is this thy Faith !
Tamely to witnefs to fuch Deeds of Horror I
Give rne thy Poignard ; lead me to the Tyrant.
What the' furrounding Guards —
O T H M A N.
Reprefs thy Fury.
Thou wilt alarm the Palace, wilt involve
Thyfeif, (hy Friend, in Ruin. Hafte thee hence ;
j; 2 Hafts
12 B A R B A R O S S A.
Hafle to the Remnant of our loyal Friends,
And let maturer Councils rule thy Zeal.
S A D I.
Yet let us ne'er forget our Prince's Wrongs.
Remember, O x h m a k, (and let Vengeance rife)
How in the Pangs of Death, and in his Gore
Wek'ring, we found our Prince ! The deadly Dagger
Deep in his Heart was fix'd ! His royal Blood,
The Life-blood of his People, o'er the Bath
Ran purple ! O remember ! and revenge !
O T H M A N.
Doubt not my Zeal, But hafte and feek our Friends,
Near to the weftern Port Almanzor dwells.
Yet unfeduc'd byBARBARoss a's Pow'r.
He will diftlofe to thee, if aught be heard
Of S £ L I r^'s Safety, or (what more I dread)
Of S E L I m's Death. Thence beft may our Refolves
Be drawn hereafter. But let Caution guide thee.
For in thefe Walks, where Tyranny and Guilt
Ufurp the Throne, wakeful Sufpicion dwells.
And fquint-cy'd Jealoufy, prone to pervert
Ev'n Looks and Smiles to Treafon.
S A D I.
I obey thee.
Near to the weflern Port, thou fay'ft.
O T H M A N.
Ev'n there.
Clofe by the blafled Palm-tree, where the Mofque
O'erlooks the City. Hafte thee hence, my Friend.
I wou'd not have thee found Vv'ithin thefe Wails.
[Fbunjh^
And hark— thefe warlike Sounds proclaim th' Approach
Of the proud Barbarossa, with his Train.
Begone
S AD I.
May dire Difcafc and Pcftilence
Hans
B A R B A R O S S A. 13
Hang o'er his Steps !—Farewel— Remember, Othman,
Thy Queen's, thy Prince's, and thy Country's Wrongs,
[Exit S A D I.
O T H M A N.
When I forget them, be Contempt my Lot !
Yet, for the Love I bear them, I muft wrap
My deep Refentments in the fpecious Guife
Of Smiles, and fair Deportment.
Enter Barbarossa, Guards, &c.
Bar b aros sia.
Valiant O t h m a n,
Are thefe vile Slaves impal'd?
O T H M a N.
My Lord, they are.
Barbarossa.
Did not the Rack extort Confeflion from them ?
O T H M A N.
They dy'd obdurate : while the melting Crowd
Murmur'd out Pity for their Groans and Anguifh.
Barbarossa.
Curfe on their womanifh Hearts ! what, pity Slavos
Whom my fupreme Decree condemn'd to Torture ?
Are you not all my Slaves, to whom my Nod
Gives Life or Death?
Othman.
To doubt thy Will, is Treafon.
Bar ear o s s a.
I love thee, faithful Othman : But why fits
That Sadnefs on thy Brow ? For oft' I find thee
Mufmg and fad ; while Joy for my Return,
My Sword vi(ftorious, and the Moors o'erthrown,
Refounds thro' all my Palace.
Othman.
Mighty Warrior !
The Soul, intent on Offices of Love,
B 3 Will
14 B A R B A R O S S A,
Will oft' negle£l, or fcorn the weaker Proof
Which Smiles or Speech can give.
Barbaros s a.
Well : Be it fo.
To guard Algiers from Anarchy's Mifrule,
I fway the regal Scepter. Who deferves.
Shall meet Proteftion : And who merits not.
Shall meet my Wrath in Thunder. — But 'tis ftrange.
That when with open Arms, I wou'd receive
Young Selim ; wou'd reftore the Crown, which Death
Reft from his Father's Head.— He fcoms my Bouiity j
Shuns me with fullen and obdurate Hate,
And proudly kindles War in foreign Climes,
Againft my Power, who fav'd his bleeding Country,
O THM A N.
'Tis ftrange indeed—
Enter A L A d i N.
A L ADIN.
Brave Prince, I bring thee Tydings
Of high Concernment to Algiers and Thee.
Young Selim is no more.
Othman.
Indeed !
Barearossa,
Indeed !— why that Aftonifhment ?
He was our bittereft Foe.
Othman.
So perifti all
Thy caufelefs Enemies ?
Barb ARossA»
What fays the Rumour ?
How dy'd the Prince, and where ?
Al A D I N.
The Rumour tells,
That flying to Or an, he there begg'd Succours'
From Ferdinand of Spain, t'invadc Algiers.
Par-
B A R B A R O S S A'. 1$
Barbarossa.
From Chriftian Dogs F
. -J., , O T H M A N*
How ! league with Infidels !
Al ADI N.
And there held Council with the haughty Spaniard,
To conqiier and dethrone thee : But in vain :
For in a dark Encounter with two Slaves,
Wherein the one fell by his dauntlefs Valour,
Selim at length was flain,
Barbaro s s A..:r^>£ s:.:
Ungrateful Boy ! -:- •; ?■• ■
Oft' have I courted him to meet my Kindnefs ;
But ftill in vain : he fhun'd me like a Peftilence;
Nor cou'd I e'er behold him, fince the Down
Cover'd his manly Cheek.— How many Years .
Number'd he ?
. . O TH M A N. ... •
I think, fcarce thirteen, when his Father dy'd.
And now, feme twenty.
Barbarossa.
Othm AN, now for Proof
Of undiflcmbled Service. — Well I know.
Thy dong-experienc'd Faith hath plac'd thee high
In the Queen's Confidence : The Crown I wear
Yet totters on my Head, tUl Marriage-RiteS
Have made her mine. Othman, (he mvift be won.
Plead thou my Caufe of Love : Bid her dry up
Her fruitlefs Tears : Paint forth her long Delays,
Wake all thy Eloquence:' IVlakc her but miiie.
And fuch unfought Reward ihall crov/n thy Zeal,
As (hall out-foar thy Willies.
Othman.
Mighty King,
Where Duty bids,. I go.
B 4 Bar-
j6 B A R B A R O S S A;
Barbarossa.
Then hafte thee, Othman,
Ere yet the Rumour of her Son's Deceafe'
Hath reach'd her Ear ; ere yet the mournful Tale
Hath whelm'd her in a new Abyfs of Woe,
And quench'd all foft AfFedion, fave for him.
Tell her, I come, borne on the Wings of Love ? —
Hafte— fly^— I follow thee. [Exit Othman.
Now Aladin.
Now Fortune bears us to the wifh'd-for Port :
Wc ride fecure, on her raoft profp'rous Billow.
This was the Rock I dreaded. Doft not think
Th' Attempt was greatly daring ?
Aladin.
Ay ; and neceffary.
What booted it, to cut the old Serpent off.
While the young Adder nefted in his Place ?
Barbarossa.
True : We have conqrier'd now. Algiers is mine,
Without a Rival. Thus great Souls afpire ;
And boldly fnatch at Crowns, beyond the Reach
Of cov/ard Confcicnce.— Yet 1 wonder much,
Omar returns not : Omar, whom I fent
On this high Truft. I fear, 'tis he hath fal'n.
Didft thou not fay, two Slaves encounter'd Selim ?
Aladin.
Ay, two : 'tis rumour'd fo.
Barbarossa.
And that one fell ?
Aladin.
Ev'n fo : By Selim's Hand : while his Companion
Planted his happier Steel in Selim's Heart.
Barbarossa.
Omar, I fear, is fal'n. From my Right-Hand
I gave my Signet to the trufty Slave :
And bade him fend it, as the certain Pledge
I Of
B A R B A R O S S A, 17
Of Selim's Death ; if Sicknefs or Captivity,
Or wayward Fate, fhou'd thwart his quick Return.
A L A D I N.
The Rumour yet is young ; perhaps foreruns
The trufly Slave's Approach.
Barbarossa.
We'll wait th' Event.
Meantime give out, that now the widow'd Queen
Hath dry'd her Tears, prepar'd to crown my Love
By Marriage-Rites : Spread wide the flatt'ringTale:
For if Perfuafion win not her Confent,
Pow'r fhall compel.
A L A D I N.
It is indeed a Thought,
Which Prudence whifpers.
Barbaros s a.
Thou, brave Aladin,
Haft been the firm Companion of my Deeds :
Soon fliall my Friendfhip's Warmth reward thy Faith, —
This Night my Will devotes to Feaft and Joy,
For Conqueft o'er the Moor. Hence, Aladin :
And fee the Night- Watch clofe the Palace round.
[Exit Aladin%
Now to the Queen. My Heart expands with Hope.
Let high Ambitiori flourifh : Li Selim's Blood
Its Root is ftruck : From this, the rifing Stem
Proudly fhall branch o'er Afric's Continent,
And ftretch from Shore to Shore.
Enter Irene.
What, drown'd in Tears ? ftill with thy Folly thwart -
Each purpofe of my Soul ? When Pleafures fpring
Beneath our P'eet, thou fpurn'ft the proffer'd Boon,
To dwell with Sorrow.--- Why thefe fullen Tears ?
Irene.
Let not thefe Tears offend my Father's Eye :
They are the Tears of Pity. From the Queen
I come, thy Suppliant.
Bar-
X% JS A R B A k O S S A.
,B A R B A R O S 6 A.
On.fome mdc Requeft.
What wou'dll thou urge ?
Minoio'i : Irene.
Thy dread Return from War,
And profFer'd Love, have open'd ev'ry Wound
The fort and lenient Hand of Time had clos'd.
If ever gentle Pity touch'd thy Heart,
Now let it melt ! Urge not thy harfh Command
To fee her ! Her diftradted Soul is bent .-^
To mourn in Solitude. She afks no more.
Ba RBAROSSAi
She mocks my Love. How many tedious Years
Have I endur'd her Coynefs ? Had not War,
And great Ambition, call'd me from Algiers,
Ere this, my Pow'rhad reap'd what (he denies.
But there's a Caufe, which touches on my Peace,
And bids nie brook no more her falfe Delays.
- • I R fi isr E.
O frown not thiis ? Sure, Pity ne'er deferv'd
A Parent's Frown f Then look more kindly on me.
Let thy confenting Pity mix with mirfc.
And heal the Woes of weeping Majefty !
Unhappy Qiieen !
B A RB A RO S S A.
What means that gufliing Tear ?
Irene.
Oh never fhall Irene tafte of Peace,
While poor Zaphira mourns ?—
B A R B A R O S S A.
Is this my Child ?
Perverfe and ftubborn !— As thou lov'ft thy Peace,
Dry up thy Tears. What ! damp the general Triumph,
That echoes through Algiers ! which now (hall pierce
The vaulted Heav'n, as foon as Fame fhall fpread
Young Selim's Death, my Empire's bitlercft Foe.
Irene,
B A R B A R O S S A. ig
Irene.
O generous Selim I
Barbarossa,
Ah ! There's more in this !
Tell me, Irene ; On thy Duty, teli me :
As thou doft wifh, I wou'd not caft thee off,
With an incenfed Father's Curfes on thee.
Now tell me why, at this detefted Name,
Afrefh thy Sorrow ftreams ?
Irene.
Yes, I will tell thee.
For he is gone ! anc' dreads thy Hate no more !
My Father knows, that fcarce five Moons are paft.
Since the Moors feiz'd, and fold me at Oran,
A hopelefs Captive in a foreign Clime !
Barbarossa.
Too v/ell I know, and rue the fatal Day.
But what of this ?
Irene.
Why fliou'd I tell, what Horrors
Did then hefet my Soul i*— Oft' have I told thee.
How 'midft the Throng, a Youth appear'd: His Eye
Bright as the Morning Star !
Barbarossa.
And wns it Selim ?
Pid he redeem thee ?
Irene.
With unfparing Hand
He paid th' allotted Ranforn : And o'erbade
Av'rice and Appetite. At his Feet I wept,
Diffolv'd in Tears of Gratitude and Joy.
But when I told my Qiiality and Birth,
He ftarted at the Name of Barbarossa ;
And thrice turn'd pale. Yet, with Recovery mild.
Go to Algiers, he cry'd; prote«5l my Mother,
And be to Her, what Selim io to Thee.
Ev'n
20 B A R B A R O S S A.
Ev'n fuch, my Father, was the gen'rous Youth,
Who, by the Hands of bloody, bloody Men,
Lies number 'd with the dead.
Barbarossa.
Amazement chills me !
Was this thy unknown Friend, conceal'd from me?
Falfe, faitlilefs Child !
Irene.
Cou'd Gratitude do lefs !
He fa;d thy Hate purfu'd him ; thence conjur'd me,
Not to reveal his Name.
Barbarossa.
Thou treacherous Maid !
To ftoop to Freedom from thy Father's Foe !
Irene.
Alas, my Father !
He never was thy Foe.
Barbarossa.
What !— plead for S £ L i m !
Away. He merited the Death he found.
Oh Coward ! Traitrcfs to thy Father's Glory !
Thou fhou'dft have liv'd a Slave,— been fold to Shame,
Been banifh'd to the Depth of howling Defarts,
Been aught but what thou art, rather than blot
A Father's Honour, by a Deed fo vile : —
Hence, from my Sight.— Hence, thoai unthankful Child I
Beware thee ! Shun the Qiieen : nor taint her Ear
With Selim's Fate. Yes, (he fhall crown my Love ;
Or by our Prophet, fhe fhall dread my Pow'r.
[Exit Barbarossa.
Irene.
Unhappy Qiieen !
To what new Scenes of Horror art thou doom'd .'
O cruel Father ! Haplefs Child ! whom Pity
Compels to call him cruel !— Gen'rous Selim I
Poor injur'd Qiieen ! who but intreats to die
In her dear Father's Tents ! Thither, good Qiieen,
:^ty
B A R B A R O S S A. 2X
My Care fhall fpeed thee, while Sufpiclon fleeps.
What tho' my frowning Father pour his Rage
On my defencelefs Head ? "V et Innocence
Shall yield her firm Support ; and confcious Virtue
Gild all my Days. Cou'd I but fave Zaphira,
Let the Storm beat. I'll weep and pray, till flie
And Heav'n forget, my Father e'er was cruel.
#%
ACT
22 BARBAROSSA.
ACT II.
Z A p H I R A and female Slaves difcover*d.
Z A P H I R A.
WHEN fliall I be at Peace!— O, righteous Heav'n,
Strengthen my fainting Soul, which fain wou*d rife
To Confidence in thee !— But Woes on Woes
O'erwhelm me ! Firft my Hufband ! now, my Son !
Both dead ! both flaughter'd by the bloody Hand
Of Barbarossa ! Sweet Content, farcwel !
Farewel, fweet Hope ! Grief is my Portion here !
O dire Ambition ! what infernal Pow'r
Unchain'd thee from thy native Depth of Hell,
To ftalk the Earth with thy deftrudlive Train,
Murder and Luft ! to wafte domeftic Peace,
And ev'ry Heart-felt Joy !
Enter O T H M A N.
O faithful O T H M A N f
Our Fears were true ! My S E L i M is no more ;
O T H M A N.
Has then the fatal Story reach'd thine Ear I
Inhuman Tyrant !
Zap h I r a.
Strike him, Heav'n with Thunder !
Nor let Z A p H I R a doubt thy Providence.
O TJH M A N.
'Twas what we fear'd. Accufc not Heav'n's high Will^
Nor ftruggle with the ten-fold Chain of Fate,
That linlcs thee to thy Woes ! O, rather yield.
And wait the happier Hour, when Innocence
Shall weep no more. Reft in that pleafing Hope,
And yield thyfelf to Heav'n. --My honor'd Queen,
The King— -
-* Z A P H IR A.
B A R B A R O S S*A. 2|
Z A P H I R A.
Whom ftil'ft thou King ?
O T H M A N.
'Tis Barbarossa.
He means to fee thee—
Z A PHIR A.
Curfes blaft the Tyrant !
Does he afllime the Name of King ?
O T H M A N.
He does.
Z A P H I R A.
O Title vilely purchas'd ! by the Blood
Of Innocence ! By Treachr'y and Murder !
May Heav'n incens'd pour down its Vengeance on him 5
Blaft all his Joys, and turn them into Horror ;
Till Phreiizy rife, and bid him curfe the Hour
That gave his Crimes their Birth ! My faithful Othman,
My fole furviving Prop ! Can'ft thou devife
No fecret Means, by vi'hich I may efcape
This hated Palace ! with undaunted Step
I'd- roam the Wafte, to reach my Father's Vales
Of dear Mutija !— Can no means be found.
To fly thcfe black'ning Horrors that furround me ?
O T H M a N.
That Hope is vain ! The Tyrant knows thy Hate.
Hence, Day and Night, his watchful Guards furround
thee.
Impenetrable as Walls of Adamant.
Curb then thy mighty Griefs : Juftice and Truth
He mocks as Shadows : Roufe not then, his Anger r'
Let foft Perfuafion and mild Eloquence,
Redeem that Libert}', which ftern Rebuke
Wou.'d rob thee of for ever.
Za P li I R A. '
Cruel Tafk !
For Royalty to bow,— an injur'd Queen
To
24 B A R B A R O S S A;
To kneel for Liberty ! And, Oh I to whom !
Ev'n to the Murd'rer of her Lord and Son !
O perifh firft, Zaphira ! Yes, I'll die ?
For what is Life to me ! My dear, dear Lord !
My haplefs Child ! Yes, I will follow you.
O T H M A N.
Wilt thou not fee him, then r
Zaphira.
I will not, Othman.
Or if I do, with bitter Imprecation,
More keen than Poifon fhot from Serpents Tongues,
I'll pour my Curfes on him !
Othman.
Will Zaphira-
Thus meanly fink in Woman's fruitlefs Rage,
When fhe fliould wake Revenge ?
Zaphira.
Revenge? — O tell me —
Tell me but how ! what can a helplefs Woman 1
O T H M A N.
Gain but the Tyrant's leave, and reach thy Father:
Pour thy Complaints before him : Let thy Wrongs
Kindle his Indignation, to purfue
This vil e Ufurper, till unceafing War
Blaft his ill-gotten Pow'r.
Zaphira. \_Rifmg,
Ah !— fay'fl thou, Othman ?
ThyWords have fhot like Lightning through my Frame ;
And all my SouFs on Fire !--Thou faithful Friend I
Yes J with more gentle Speech I'll footh his Pride ;
Regain my Freedom ; feek my Father's Tents ;
There paint my countlefs Woes. His kindling Rage
Shall wake the Vallies into honeft Vengeance :
The fudden Storm (hall pour on Barbarossa ;
And ev'ry glowing Warrior fteephis Shaft
In deadlier Poifon^ to revenge my Wrongs.
O T H M a N*
BARBAROSSA. 25
O T H M A N.
There fpoke the Queen. But as thou iov'ft thr
Freedom,
Touch not on Selim's Fate. Thy Soul will kindle.
And PafTion mount in Flames that will confume thee.
Z A P H IR A.
My murdcr'd Son ! yes, to revenge thy Death,
I'll fpeak a Language which my Heart difdains.
O T H M A N.
Peace, Peace ! The Tyrant comes : Now, injur'd Queen,
Plead for thy Freedom, hope for juft Revenge,
And check each rifmg PaiTion i [Exit Othman.
Enter Barbarossa.
Barbarossa.
Hail, fov'reign Fair! Thrice honor'd Queen! in whom
Beauty and Majeft)' confpire to charm !
Behold the Conqu'ror, whofe deciding Voice
Can fpeak the Fate of Kingdoms, at thy Feet
Lies conquer'd by thy Pow'r !
Z A p hir A.
O Barbarossa !
No more the Pride of Conqueft e'er can charm
My widow'd Hear!: i With my departed Lord
My Love lies bury'd ! I fliould meet thy Flame
With fullen Tears, and cold Lndifference.
Then turn thee to fome happier Fair, whofe Heart
May crown thy growing Love, with Love fmcere ;
For I have none to give !
Barbarossa.
Love ne'er fliou'd die :
'Tis the Soul's Cordial : 'Tis the Fount of Life;
Therefore fhou'd fpring eternal in the Breaft.
One Objccl loft, another fhou'd fucceed.
And all our Life be Love.
Z a P H 1 R A.
Vrtrc me pomore :-- Thou minht'ft with equal Hope
C" Woo
26 B A R B A R O S S A.
Woo the cold Marble weeping o'er a Tomb,
To meet thy Wifhes ! But if gen'rous Love
Dwell in thy Breaft, vouchfafe me Proof fincere :
Give me lafe Convoy to my native Vales
Ofdear MuTijA, where my Father reigns.
Bar ba r os s a.
O blind to profFer'd Blifs ! what, fondly quit
This lofty Palace, and the envy'd Pomp
Of Empire, for an Arab's wand'ring Tent !
Where the mock Chieftain leads his vagrant Tribes
From Plain to Plain, as Thirft or Famine fways ;
Obfcurely vain ; and faintly {hadows out
The Majefty of Kings !— Far other Joys
Here fliall attend thy Call : The winged Bark
For thee fhall traverfe Seas ; and ev'ry Clime
Be tributary to Zaphira's Charms.
To Thee, exalted Fair, fubmiffive Realms
Shall bow the Neck j and fwarthy Kings and Qiieens,
From the far-diftant Niger and the Nile,
Drawn captive at my conqu'ring Charriot- Wheels,
Shall kneel before thee.
Z aph I R A.
Pomp and Pow'r are Toys,
Which ev'n the Mind at eafe may well difdain.
But, ah ! what Mockery is the tinfel Pride
Of Splendor, when by wafting Woes, the Mind
Lies defolate within!— Such, fuch, is mine !
O'erwhelm'd with Ills, and dead to ev'ry Joy
Envy me not this^aft Requeft, to die
In my dear Father's Tents !
Barbarossa,
Thy Suit is vain—
Z A PH I R A.
Thus kneeling, at thy Feet— !
Barbarossa,
Thou thanklefs Fair !
Thus to repay the Labours of my Love !
Had I not fie2;'d the Throne when Selim dy'd. Ere
BARBAROSSA. 27
Ere this, thy Foes had laid Algiers in Ruin :
I check'd the warring Pow'rs, and gave you Peace.
Za p h I r a.
Peace doft thou call it ! what can worfe be fear'd
From the War's Rage, than Violence and Blood ?
Have not unceafing Horrors mark'd thy Reign ?
Thro' fev'n longYears, thy flaught'ring Sword hath reek'd
With guiltlefs Blood.
Barbarossa.
With o-uiltlefs Blood ?-— Take heed—-
Roufe not my flumb'ring Rage : Nor vindicate
Thy Country's Guilt and Treafon.
Z A P H I r A.
Where Violence reigns, there Innocence is Guilt,
And Virtue, Treafon.— Know, Zaphira fcorns
Thy Menace.— Yes,— thy flaught'ring Sword hath reek'd
With guiltlefs Blood. Thro' thee. Exile and Death
Have thin'd Algiers. Is this thy boafted Peace ?
So might the Tyger boaft the Peace he brings
When he o'erleaps by Stealth, and waftes the Fold.
Barbarossa.
Ungrateful Queen ! I'll give thee Proof of Love,
Beyond thy Sex's Pride ! But make thee mine,
I will defcend the Throne, and call thy Son
From Banifhment to Empire.
Zaphira.
Oh, my Heart !
Can I bear this ! —
Inhuman Tyrant ! Curfes on thy Head !
May dire Remorfe and Anguifh haunt thy Throne,
And gender in thy Bofom fell Defpair •'
Defpair as deep as mine I
Barbarossa,
What means Zaphira ^
What means this Burll: of Grief?
Zaphira.
Thou fell Dcftroyer !
C 2 Flad
28 BARBAROSS A."
Had not Guilt fteel'd thy Heart, awak'ning Confciencc
Wou'd flafh Convidion on thee, and each Look,
Shot from thefe Eyes, bearm'd with Serpent-Horrors,
To turn thee into Stone !— Relentlefs Man !
Who did the bloody Deed ? Oh, tremble Guilt,
Where'er thou art !— Look on me !— Tell me, Tyrant,-
Who flew my blamelefs Son ?
Barbarossa.
What envious Tongue,
My Foe, hath dar'd to taint my Name with Slander ?
This is the Rumour of fome coz'ning Slave,
Who thwarts my Peace. Believe it not, Zaphira.
Thy Selim lives : nay more, he foon fhall reign.
If thou confent to blefs me.
Zaphira.
Never ! Oh, never —Sooner wou'd I roam
An unknown Exile thro' the torrid Climes
Of Afric, fooner dwell v/ith Wolves and Tygers,
Than mount with thee my murder'd Selim's Throne f
Barbarossa.
Rafli Queen, forbear ! Think on thy Captive-State ;
Remember, that within thefe Palace-Walls,
I am omnipotent : That every Knee
Bends at my dread Approach : That Shame and Honour,
Reward and Punifhment, await my Nod,
The Vaflals of my Pleafure.— -Yield thee then:
Avert the gath'ring Horrors that furround thee,
And dread my Pow'r incens'd.
Zaphira.
Dares thy licentious Tongue pollute mine Ear
With that foul Menace ?-— Tyrant ! Dread'ft thou not
Th' all feeiag Eye of Heav'n, its lifted Thunder,
And all the red'ning Vengeance which itftorcs
For Crimes like thine ?— Yet know, thy Threats .nre viilri.
Tho' robb'd by thee of ev'ry dear Support ;
No Tyrant's Threat can awe the frce-boin Soul,
That greatlydarcs to Die, [ii.v// Zaphira.
Bar^
B A R B A R O S S A. 29
Ba rbaross a.
Where fhould (he learn the Tale of Selim's Death ?
Cou'd Othman dare to tell it ? If he did.
My Rage fhall fweep him, fvvifter than the Whirlwind,
To inftant Death !— Curfe on her Steadinefs !
She lords it o'er my Heart. There is a Charm
Of Majefty in Virtue, that difarms
Relu<5lant Pow'r, and bends the ftruggling Will
From her moft firm Refolve.
Enter A l a D I N.
Oh, Aladin »
Timely thou com'ft, to cafe my lab'ring Thought,
That fwells with Indignation and Defpair.
This ftubborn Woman-^-
Al ad I N.
What, unconquer'd ftill ?
Barbarossa.
The News of Selim's Fate hath reach'd her Ear.
Whence could this come ?
Aladin.
I can refolve thy Doubt. >
A female Slave, Attendant on Zaphira,
O'erheard the Mefienger who brought the Tale,
And gave it to her Ear.
Barb ARoss a.
Perdition fieze her !
No Threat can move, nor Promife now allure
Her haughty Soul : Nay, (he defies my Pow'r ;
And talks of Death, as if her female Form
Infhrin'd fome Hero's Spirit.
Aladin.
Let her Rage foam.
I brijig thee Tydings that will eafe thy Pain.
Barb aross a.
Say'ft thou ?---Spcak on— O give mequickRelief !—- •
Aladin.
The gallant Youth is come, who flew her Son.
C 3 Bar-
30 BARBAROSSA.
B ARBAROSS A.
Who? Omar!
A L A D I N.
No : Unhappy Omar fell
By Selim's Hand. But Achmet, whom he join'd
His brave Aflbciate, fo the Youth bids tell thee,
Reveng'd his Death by Selim's.
Barbarossa.
Gallant Youth I
Bears he the Signet ?
A L A D I N.
Aye.
Barbarossa.
That fpeaks him true.— Conduft him, Aladin.
[Exit Aladin,
This is beyond my Hope. The fecret Pledge
Reftor'd, prevents Sufpicion of the Deed,
While it confirms it done.
Enter Achmet and A l a d i n.
Achmet.
Hail mighty Barbarossa ! As the Pledge [Kneels.
Of Selim's Death, behold thy Ring reftor'd :
That Pledge will fpeak the reft.
Barbarossa.
Rife, valiant Youth !
But firft, no more a Slave— I give thee Freedom.
Thou art the Youth whom Omar (now no more)
Join'd his Companion in this brave Attempt I
Achmet.
I am.
Barbarossa.
Then tell me how you fped. — Where found ye
That Infolent !
Achmet.
We found him at Oran,
Plotting deep Mifchiefs to thy Throne and People.
Bar-
BARBAROSSA. 31
Barbarossa.
Well ye repaid the Traitor.—
A C H M E T.
As we ought.
While Night drew ort, we leapt upon our Prev.
Full at his Heart brave Omar aim'd the Poignard,
Which Selim fhunning, wrench'd it from his Hand,
Then plung'd it in his Breaft. I hafted on.
Too late to fave, yet I reveng'd my Friend :
My thirfty Dagger, with repeated Blow,
Search'd ev'ry Artery : They fell together,
Gafping in Folds of mortal Enmity j
And thus in Frowns explr'd.
Barbarossa.
Well haft thou fped.
Thy Dagger did its Office, faithful Achmet ;
And high Reward fhall wait thee. One thing more--
Be the Thought fortunate!— Go, feek the Queen.
For know the Rumour of her Selim's Death
Hath reach'd her Ear : Hence dark Sufpicions rife.
Squinting at me. Go, tell her, that thou faw'ft
Her Son expire ; that with his dying Breath,
He did conjure her to receive my Vows,
And give her Country Peace. — That, fure will lull
Sufpicion. Aladin, that fure will win her.
A L A D I N.
*Tis wifely thought.— It muft.
Enter O T H M a W.
Barbarossa.
Moft welcome, Othman.
Behold this gallant Stranger. He hath done
The State good Service. Let fomc high Reward
Await him, fuch as may o'erpay his Zeal.
Condud him to the Queen j for he hath Tidings
Worthy her Ear, from her departed Son j
Such as may win her Love.— Come, Aladin :
The Banquet waits our Prefence : Feftai Joy
C 4 Laucrhs
32 BARBAROSSA.
Laughs In the mantling Goblet ; and the Night,
Illumin'd by the Taper's dazzling Beam,
Rivals departed Day. [Ex. Barb, ami Al ad.
A C H M E T.
What anxious Thought
Rowls in thine Eye, and heaves thy lab'ring Breaft ?
Why join'fl thou not the loud Excefs of Joy,
That riots thro' the Palace ?
O T H M A N.
Dar'ft thou tell me,
On what dark Errand thou art here ?
A c H M E T.
I dare.
Doft thou not fee the favage Lines of Blood
Deform my Vifage ? Read'ft not in mine Eye
Remorfelefs Fury ?— I am Selim's Murd'rer.
O T H M A N.
His Murd'rer !
A c H M E T.
Start not from me.
My Dagger thirfts not but for regal Blood.
Why this Amazement ?
O T H M A N.
Amazement ?— No-— 'Tis well :— 'tis as it (hould be.—
He was indeed a Foe to Barbarossa.
A c H M E T.
And therefore to Algiers :— Was it not fo?-~
Why doft thou paufe ? What Paflion fhakes thy Frame ?
O T H M A N.
Fate, do thy worft !— I can no more difTemble ! —
Can I unmov'd behold the murd'ring Ruffian,
Smear'd with my Prince's Blood !— Go, tell the Tyrant^
Othman defies his Pow'r ; that tir'd with Life
He dares his bloody Hand, and pleads to die.
A c H M E T.
What, didft thou love this Selim ?
Othman.
All A^en lov'd him. He
BARBAROSSA. 33
He was of fuch unmix'd and blamelefs Quality,
That Envy, at his Fraife flood mute, nor dar'd
To fully his fair Name ! Remorfelefs Tyrant !
Ac H M E T.
I do commend thy Faith. And fince thou lov'ft him,
I'll whifper to thee, that with honeft Guile
I have deceiv'd this Tyrant Barbarossa:
Selim is yet alive.
O T H M A N.
Alive ?
A C H M E T.
Nay, more —
Selim is in Algiers.
O T HM A N.
Impoffible !
Ac H M E T.
Why, if thou doubt'fl:, I'll bring him hither, ftraight.
O T H M A N.
Not for an Empire !
Thou might'ft as well bring the devoted Lamb
Into the Tyger's Den.
Ac H MET.
Nay, but I'll bring him
Hid in fuch deep Difguife, as Ihall deride
Sufpicion, tho' fhe wear the Lynx's Eye :
Not ev'n thyfelf couldft know him.
O T H M A N.
Yes, fure : too fure, to hazard fuch an awful
Trial !
A C H M E T.
Yet feven rerolving Years, worn out
In tedious Exile, may have wrought fuch Change
Of Voice and Feature, in the State of Youth,
Ai might elude thine Eye.
O T H M A N.
No Time can blot
The Mem'ry of his fweet majeftic Mien,
The Luftre of his Eye ! Nay, more, he wears
3 ^
34 BARBAROSSA.
A Mark indelible, a beauteous Scar,
Made on his Forehead by a furious Pard,
Which rulhing on his Mother, Selim flew,
A c H M E T.
A Scar !
O T H M A N.
Ay, on his Forehead.
Ac H M E T.
What, like this ? ^Lifting his Turban.
Ot H M A N.
Whom do I fee !— am I awake !— -my Prince ! \_Kneeh*
My honor'd, honor'd King !
Selim.
Rifcj faithful Othmak.
Thus let me thank thy Truth ! [Embraces him,
O T H M A N.
Oh, happy Hour !
Selim.
Why doft thou tremble thus ? Why grafp my Hand ?
And why that ardent Gaze ? Thou canft not doubt m.e ?
O T H M A N.
Ah, no ! 1 fee thy Sire in ev'ry Line. —
How did my Prince efcape the Murd'rer's Hand ?
Selim.
I wrench'd the Dagger from him ; and gave back
That Death he meant to bring. The Ruffian wore
The Tyrant's Signet : — Take this Ring, he cry'd,
The fole Return my dying Hand can make thee
For its accurs'd Attempt : This Pledge reftor'd.
Will prove thee flain : Safe may'ft thou fee Algiers,
Unknown to all.— This faid, th'Aflaflin dy'd.
O T H M A N.
But how to gain Admittance, thus unknown ?
Selim.
Difguis'd as Selim's Murderer I come :
Th' Accomplice of the Deed : The Ring reftor'd,
Gain'd Credence to my Words.
O T H-
B A R B A R O S S A. 35
O T H M A N.
Yet e'er thou cam'ft, thy Death was rumour'd here,
S E L I M.
I fpread the flatt'ring Tale, and fent it hither j
That babbling Rumour, like a lying Dream,
Might make Belief more eafy. Tell me, Othman,—
And yet I tremble to approach the Theme, —
How fares my Mother ? does (he ftill fuftain
Her native Greatnefs ?
Othman.
Still : In va,in the Tyrant
Tempts her to Marriage, tho' with impious Threats
Of Death or Violation.
S E L I M.
May kind Heav'n
Strengthen her Virtue, and by me reward it !
When fhall I fee her, Othman?
Othman.
Yet, my Prince,
I tremble for thy Prefence.
S E L I M.
Let not Fear
Sully thy Virtue : 'Tis the Lot of Guilt
To tremble. What hath Innocence to do with Fear,
O T H M A K.
Yet think— fhould Barbarossa—
S E L I M.
Dread him not-—
Thou know'ft, by his Command, I fee ZaphiPvA,
And wrapt in this Difguife, I walk fecure.
As if from Heav'n fome guardian Pow'r attending.
Threw ten-fold Night around me.
Othman.
Still my Heart
Forebodes fome dire Event !— O quit thefc Walb !
S E L I M.
Not till a Deed be done, which ev'ry Tyrant
Shall trciiible when he hears.
O T H-
36 BARBAROSSA.
O T H M A N.
What means my Prince ?
S E L I M.
To take juft Vengeance for a Father's Blood,
A Mother's SufPrings, and a People's Groan.
O T H M A N.
Alas, my Prince I Thy fmgle Arm is weak
To combat Multitudes!
S E L IM.
Therefore I come.
Clad in this Murd'rer's Guife— Ere Morning {hines.
This, Othman — this— fhall drink the Tyrant's Blood.
[Shews a Dagger.
Othman.
Heav'nfhield thy precious Life !— -Let Caution rule
Thy headlong Zeal I
S E L IM.
Nay, think not that I come
Blindly impell'd by Fury or Defpair :
For I have feen our Friends, and parted now
From Sadi and Alman^or.
Othman.
Say-— what Hope ?
My Soul is all Attention.—
S E L 1 M.
Mark mc, then.
A chofen Band of Citizens this Night
Will ftorm the Palace ; while the glutted Troops
Lie drench'd in Surfeit ; the confed'rate City,
Bold thro' Defpair, have fworn to break their Chain
By one wide Slaughter. I, meantime, have gain'd
The Palace, and will wait th' appointed Hour,
To guard Zaphira from the Tyrant's Rage,
Amid' the deathful Uproar.
Othman.
Heav'n protect thee —
'Tis dreadful— What's the Hour !
S E L I Al .
I left our Friends In
BARBAROSSA. 37
In fecret Council. Ere the dead of Night
Brave Sadi will report their laft Refolves.—
Now lead me to the Qiieen.—
O T H M A N.
Brave Prince, beware !
Her Joy's or Fear's excefs, wou'd fure betray thee.
Thou fhalt not fee her, till the Tyrant perifh !
Selim.
I muft.— -I feel fome fecret Impulfe urge me.
Who knows that 'tis not the laft parting Interview,
We ever fhall obtain?
O T H M A N.
Then, on thy Life,
Do not reveal thyfelf.— Aflume the Name
Of Selij.i's Friend ; fent to confirm her Virtue,
And wani her that he lives.
S E L I M.
It fhall be fo : I yield me to thy Will,
O T H M A K,
Thou greatly daring Youth ! May Angels watch.
And guard thy upright Purpofe ! That Algiers
May reap the BleiTings of thy virtuous Reign,
And all thy Godlike Father fhine in thee i
Selim.
Oh, thou haft rovi^z'd a Thought, on which Revenge
Mounts with redoubled Fire !--Yes, here, ev'n here—
Beneath this very Roof, my honor'd Father
Shed round his Blellings, till accurfed Treach'ry
Stole on his peaceful Hour ! O, blefled Shade I
If yet thou hov'reft o'er thy once lov'd-Clime,
Now aid me to rcdrefs thy bleeding Wrongs I
Infufe thy mighty Spirit into my Breaft,
Thy firm and dauntlefs Fortitude, unaw'd
By Peril, Pain, or Death ! that unuifmay'd,
J niay purfue the juft Intent ; and dare
pr bravely to Revenge, or bravely Die. [Exeunt.
A C T
38 BARBAROSSA.
ACT III.
Enter 1r e N e.
CAN Air-drawn Vifions mock the waking Eye,
Sure 'twas his Image !— Yet, his Prefence here-
After full Rumour had confirm'd him dead !—
Beneath this hoftile Roof to court Deftruction !
Itftaggers all Belief! Silent he fhot
Athwart my View, amid' the glimmering Lamps,
With fwift and Ghoft-like Step, that feem'd to fhun
All human Converfe. This way, furehe mov'd.
But Oh, how chang'd ! He wears no gentle Smiles,
But Terror in his Frown. He comes.— 'Tis He: —
For Othman points him hither, and departs.
Difguis'd, he fceks the QjLieen : Secure, perhaps.
And heedlefs of the Ruin that furrounds him.
O generous Selim ! can I fee thee thus j
And not forewarn fuch Virtue of its Fate!
Forbid it Gratitude !
Enter Selim.
Selim.
Be ftill, ye Sighs !
Ye ftruggling Tears of filial Love, be ftill.
Dov/n, down fond Heart !
Irene.
Why, Stranger, doft thou wander here ?
Selim.
Oh, Ruin ! [Shunning her.
Irene,
^left, is Irene ! Blcft if Selim lives !
Seljm
B A R B A R O S S A. 39
S E L I M.
Ami betray 'd ?
Irene,
Betray'd ! to whom ? To Her
Whofe grateful Heart would rufh on Death to fave thee !
S E L I M.
It was my Hope,
*rhat Time had veil'd all Semblance of my Youth,
And thrown the Mafk of Manhood o'er my Vifage.—
Am I then known ?
Irene.
To none, but Love and Me.
To me, who late beheld thee at Or an ;
Who faw thee here, befet with unfeen Peril,
And flew to fave the Guardian of my Honour,
S E L I M.
Thou Sum of ev'ry Worth ! Thou Heav'n of Sweet-
nefs !
How cou'd I pour forth all my Soul before thee,
In Vows of endlefs Truth !— It muft not be !—
This is my deftin'd Goal [—The Manfion drear.
Where Grief and Anguifh dwell ! where bitter Tears,
And Sighs, and Lamentations, choak the Voice,
And quench the Flame of Love !
Irene.
Yet, virtuous Prince,
Tho' Love be filent. Gratitude may fpeak.
Hear then her Voice, which warns thee from thefe Walls.
Mine be the grateful Tafk, to tell the Queen,
Her Selim lives. Ruin and Death inclofe thee.
O fpeed thee hence, while yet Deftruclion fleeps !
S E L IM.
Too generous Maid ! Oh, Heav'n ! that Barearossa
Shou'd be Irene's Father.
Irene.
Injur'd Prince !
Lofe not a Thought on me ! I know thy Wrongs,
I And
40 B A R B A R O S S A.
And merit not thy Love. No, learn to hate me.
Or if Irene e'er can hope fuch Kindnefs,
Firft pity, then forget me !
S E L I M.
When I do.
May Heav'n pour down its righteous Vengeance on me ?
Ire n e.
Hence ! hafte thee, hence !
S E L .1 M.
Wou'd it were pofTible f
Irene.
What can prevent it ?
S E L I M.
Juftice ! Fate, and Juftice !
A murder'd Father's Wrongs !
Irene.
Ah, Prince, take heed !
I have a Father too !
S E L I M.
What did I fay ? — my Father ?— not my Father. —
Can I depart till I have feen Zaphira ?—
Irene.
Juftice, faid'ft thou .?
That Word hath ftruck me, like a Peal of Thunder !
Thine Eye, which v/ont to melt with gentle Love,
Now glares with Terror ! Thy Approach by Night —
Thy dark Difguife, thy Looks, and fierce Dcmenor>
Yes, all confpire to tell me, I am loft !
Think, Selim, what Irene muft indure,
Shou'd fhe be guilty of a Father's Blood !
Selim.
A Father's Blood !
Irene.
Too Aire. In vain thou hid'ft
Thy dire Intent ! Forbid it, Heav'n, Irene
Shou'd
B A R B A R O S S A. 41
Shou'd fee Deftruction hov'rlng o'er her Father,
And not prevent the Blow !
S E L I M.
Is this thy Love,
Thy Gratitude to him who fav'd thy Honour ?
Irene.
'Tis Gratitude to him who gave me Life :
He who preferv'd me claims the fecond Place.
S E L I M.
Is he not a Tyraht, Murderer ?
Irene.
O fpafe my Shame ! I am his Daughter flill !
S E L I M.
Wou'dft thou become the Partner of his Crimes ?
Irene.
Forbid it Heav'n !— Yet I muft fave a Father !
S E r. I M.
Come on then. Lead me to him. Glut thine Eye
WithSELiM's Blood—
I R EN E.
Was e'er Diflrefs like mine !
O Sel IM can I fee my Father Perifh !—
Wou'd I had ne'er been born ! \pyeeps,
S E L I M.
Thou virtuous Maid !
My Heart bleeds for thee !
Irene.
Quit, O quit thefe Walls !
Heav'n will ordain fome gentler, happier Means,
To heal thy Woes ! Thy dark Attempt is big
With Horror and Dcftrudtion ! Generous Prince f
Refign thy dreadful Purpofe, and depart !
S E L I M.
May not I fee Zaph IRA, ere I go ?
Thy gentle Pity will not, fure, deny us
The mournful Pleafure of a parting Tear ?
D I R £ N E/
42 BARBAROSSA.
Irene.
Go, then, and give her Peace. But fly thefe Walls,
As foon as Morning fhines :~-Elfe, tho' Defpair
Drive me to Madnefs ; — yet— to fave a Father '—
O Selim ! fpare my Tongue the horrid Sentence I—
Fly ! ere Deftruction feize thee ! [Exit Irene.
, Selim.
Death and Ruin !
Muft I then fly ?~what .'—Coward-like betray
My Father, Mother, Friends ?— Vain Terrors, hence ?
Danger looks big, to Fear's deluded Eye.
But Courage, on the Heights and Steps of Fate,
Dares fnatch her glorious Purpofe from the Edge
Of Peril : and while fick'ning Caution flirinks.
Or felf-betray'd, falls headlong down the Steep j
Calm Refolution, unappal'd, can walk
The giddy Brink, fccure.— Now to the Queen. —
How ihall I dare to meet her thus unknown !
How ftifle the warm Tranfports of my Heart,
Vv^hich pants at her Approach !— Who waits Zaphira?—
E titer a female S l a v e .
Slave.
Whence this Intrufion, Stranger ? at an Hour
Deftin'dtoReft?
Selim.
I come, to feek the Queen,
On matter of fuch Import, as may claim
Ker fpeedy Audience.
Slave.
Thy Hequeft is vain.
Ev'n now the Queen hath heard the mournful Tale
Of her Soil's Death, and drown'd in Grief fhe lies.
Thou canft not fee her.
Selim.
J ell the Queen, I come
On Mefli\ge from her dear, departed Son ;
And bring his lad Requeft.
Slave.
B A R B A R O S S A. 43
Slave.
I'll hafte to tell her.
With all a Mother's tend'reft Love flie'll fly,
To meet that Name. [Exit SlaV»»
S E L I M.
0 ill-diflembling Heart !— My ev'ry Limb
Trembles with grateful Terror !— Wou'd to Heav'ii,
I had not come ! Some Look, or ftarting Tear,
Will fure betray me.— Honeft Guile aflxft
My fault'ring Tongue !
Enter" Z A P H i R a.
Z A P H I R A.
Where is this pious Stranger ?—
Say, generous Youth, whofe Pity leads thee thus
To feek the weeping Manfions of Diftrefs !
Didft thou behold in Death my haplefs Son ?
Didft thou receive my Selim's parting Breath ?
Did he remember me ?
S E L I M.
Moft honor'd Queen !
Thy Son,— Forgive thefe guftiing Tears, which flow
To fee Diftrefs like thine !
Z A PH I R A.
1 thank thy Pity !
'Tis generous thus to feel for others Woe.---
What of my Son .? Say, didft thou fee him die ?
S E L I M.
By Barbarossa's dread Command I come,
To tell thee, that thefe Eyes alone beheld
Thy Son expire.
Z a P H I R A.
Oh Heav'n !— my deareft Child !
S E L I M.
That ev'n in Death, the pious Youth remeitiber'd
His royal Mother's Woes.
Z A P H I R A,
Where, where was I ?
D z Relent*
44 B A R B A R O S S A.
Relentlefs Fate !— -that I fhou'd be cleny'd
The mournful Privilege, to fee him die !
To clafp him in the Agony of death,
And catch his parting Soul ! O tell me all.
All that he faid and look'd : Deep in my Heart
That I may treafure cv'vy parting Word,
Each dying ^Vhifper of my dear, dear Son ?
S E L I M.
Let not my Words offend.— What if he faid.
Go, tell my haplefs Mother, that her Tears
Have ftream'd too long Then bid her weep no more :
Bid her forget the Hufband and the Son,
In Barbarossa's Arms !
Z A P H I R A .
D, falfe as Hell !
Thou art fome creeping Slave to B a r b a r o s s a.
Sent to furprize my unfufpeiting Heart !
Falfe Slave, begone ! — My Son betray me thus !—
Cou'd he have e'er conceiv'd fo bafe a Purpofc,
IVly Griefs for him fhou'd end in great Difdain ! —
But he was brave; and fcorn'd a Thought fo vile I
Wretched Zaphira ! How art thou become
The Sport of Slaves !— -O Griefs incurable !
S E L I M.
Yet hope for Peace, unhappy Queen ! Thy Woes
May yet have end..
Zaphira.
Why weep'ft thou Crocodile ?
Thy treach'rous Tears are vain.
S E L I M.
My Tears are honeft.
I am not what thou think'ft.
Zaphira.
Who art thou then I
S E L ? M.
Oh, my full Heart !— I am— thy Friend, and Seli.m's.
I come not to infult but heal thy 'vVocs.---
Now
B A R B A R O S S A. 45
Now check thy Heart's wild Tumult, while I tell thee
Perhaps — thy Son yet lives.
Z A p H 1 R A.
O gracious Heav'n .'
Do I not dream ? fay, Stranger,— didft thou tcII me.
Perhaps my Selim lives r — What do I afk ?
Fond, fond, and fruitlefs Hope !— What mortal Pow'r
Can e'er re-animate his mangled Coarfe,
Shoot Life into the cold and filent Tomb,
Or bid the ruthlefs Grave give up its Dead .'
S E L I M.
O pow'rful Nature, thou wilt fure betray me ! [Jji^ie,
Thy Selim lives : For fmce his rumour'd Death,
I faw him at Or ax.
Z A P H I R A.
Is not then, my Selim dead?
Selim,
He is not.
Z A P H I R A .
Didfl thou not fay, thou faw'ft my fon expire ?
Didft not ev'n now relate his dying Words ?
Selim.
It was an honeft Falfhood, meant to prove
Zaphira's unftain'd Virtue.
Z A P H I R A.
Why — ^but Othmak—
Othman affirm'd that my poor Son was dead :
And I have heard, the Murderer is come,
In triumph o'er his dear and innocent Blood,
Selim.
I am that Murderer.— Beneath this Guifc
I fpread th' abortive Talc of S e l im's Death,
And haply won the Tyrant's Confidence.
Hence gain'd Accefs : Ajid from thy Selim tell thee,
5elim yet lives ; and honours all thy Virtues.
Z A p H 1 R A.
O generous Youth, who art thou ?---From what Climp
D 3 Comes
46 B A R B A R 0 S S A.
Comes fuch exalted Virtue, as dares give
A Paufe to Griefs like mine !— As dares approach.
And prop the Ruin tott'ring on its Bafe,
Which felfifh Caution fhuns !— Oh, fay— -who art thou ?
S E L I M.
A friendlefs Youth, felf-banifh'd with thy Son j
Long his Companion in Diftrefs and Danger :
One who rever'd thy Worth in profp'rous Days :
And more reveres thy Virtue in Diftrefs.
Z A P H IR A.
^ O tell me truly then — mock not my Woes,
But tell me truly,— does my Seum live ?
S E L I M.
He does, by Heav'n !
Z A P H IR A.
And does he ftill remember
His Father's Wrongs, and mine !
S E L I M.
He bade me tell thee.
That in his Heart indelibly are ftamp'd
His Father's Wrongs, and Thine : That he but wait*
'Till awful Juftice may unfheath her Sword,
And Luft and Murder tremble at her Frown !
That till th' Arrival of that happy Hour,
Deep in his Soul the hidden Fire fhall glow,
And his Brcaft labour with the great Revenge !
Z A p H I R A.
Eternal Bleflings crown my virtuous Son !
I feel my Heart revive ! Here, Peace once more
Begins to dawn.
S E L I M.
\ Much honor'd Queen, farewel.
Z A P H I R A.
Not yet,— not yet ;— indulge a Mother's Love 7
In thee, the kind Companion of his Griefs,
Methinks I fee my Selim ftand before mc.
Depart not yet. A thoufand fond Requeft*
Croud
B A R B A R O S S A. 47
Croud on my Mind. Wifhes, and Pray'rs and TearSj
Are all I have to give. O bear him thcfe .'
o
S E L I M.
Take Comfort then ; for know thy Son, o'erjoy'd
To refcue thee, wou'd bleed at ev'ry Vein ! —
Bid her, he faid, yet hope we may be bleil !
Bid her remember that the Ways of Heav'n,
Tho' dark, are juft : That oft' fome Guardian Pow'r
Attends unfeen, to fave the innocent !
But if high Heav'n decrees our Fall,— O bid her
Firmly to wait the Stroke ; prepar'd alike
To live or die ! and then he wept, as I do.
Z A P H I R A.
O righteous Heav'n ! Thou haft at length o'erpay'd
My bitt'reft Pangs ; if my dear Selim lives.
And lives for me!— hear my departing Pray'r ! \_Kneeh.
O fpare my Son !— ProteiSl his tender Years !
Be thou his Guide through Dangers and Diftrefs !
Soften the Rigours of his cruel Exile,
And lead him to his Throne ! — when I am gone,
Blcfs thou his peaceful Reign ! Oh, early blefs him
With the fweet Pledges of connubial Love ;
That he may win his Virtue's juft Reward,
And tafte the Raptures vi'hich a Parent's Heart
Reaps from a Child like him ! Not for myfelf, —
But my dear Son,— accept my parting Tears !
[^Exit Zaphira,
Selim.
Now, fwclling Heart,
Indulge the Luxury of Grief ! Flow Tears I
And rain down Tranfport in the Shape of Sorrow !
Yes, I have footh'd her Woes ; have found her Noble :
And to have giv'n this Refpite to her Pangs,
O'erpays all Pain and Peril ! — Pow'rful Virtue !
How infinite thy Joys, when ev'n thy Griefs
Are pleafing ! — Thou, fuperior to the Frov/ns
D 4 Of
48 B A R B A R O S S A,
Of Fate, can'ft pour thy Sunfhine o'er the Soul,
And brighten Woe to Rapture !
Enter O T H M A N and S A D I.
Honor'd Friends !
How goes the Night f
S A D I.
'Tis well nio-h Midnio;ht.
O T H M A N.
What— in Tears, my Prince ?
S E L I M.
But Tears of Joy: For I havefecn Zaphira,
And pour'd the Balm of Peace into her Breaft :
Think not thefe Tears unnerve me, valiant Friends :
They have but harmoniz'd my Soul ; and wak'd
All that is Man within me, to difdain
Peril, or Death.— What Tydings from the City ?
S A D I.
All, all is ready. Our c o.ifed'rate Friends
Burn with Impatience, till the Hour arrive,
S E L I M.
What is the Signal of th' appointed Hour ?
S A D I.
The Midnight Watch gives Signal of our Meeting :
And when the fecond Watch of Night is rung,
The work of Death begins.
S H I. I M.
Speed, fpeed ye Minutes !
Now let the rifmg Whirlwind fhake Algiers,
And Juftice guide the ftorm ! Scarce two Hours hence—
S A D I.
Scarce more than one.
S E L I M.
But as ye love my Life,
Let your Zeal haftcn on the great Event :
The Tyrant's Daughter found, and knew me here }
And half fufpeds the Caufc.
^ 0th-
B A R B A R O S S A. 49
O T H M A N.
Too daring Prince,
Retire with us ! Her Fears will fure betray thee !
S E L I M.
What ? leave my helplefs Mother, here, a Prey
To Cruelty and Luft ?— Dl perifli nrft r
This very Night the Tyrant threatens Violence ;
I'll watch his Steps : I'll haunt him thro' the Palace ;
And, fhou'd he meditate a Deed fo vile,
rii hover o'er him like an unfeen Pcflilence,
And blaft him in his Guilt ! .
S A D I.
Intrepid Prince !
Worthy of Empire I— Yet accept my Life,
My worthlefs Life : Do thou retire with Otiiman j
I v/ill protect Zaphira.
S E L I M.
Think'ft thou, Sadi,
That when the trying Hour of Peril comes,
Selim will fhrink into a common Man ?
Wor'ihiefs were he to rule, who dares not claim
Pre-eminence in Dano;er. Urjie no more.
Here fliall my Station be : And if I fall,
O Friends, let m.e have Vengeance ! — T.ell me now,
Where is the Tyrant ?
O T H M A N,
Revelling at the Banquet.
Selim.
'Tis good.— Now tell me, how our Pow'rs are deftin'd?
S A D I.
Near ev'ry Pert, a fecret Band is pofced :
By thefe the watchful Centinels mufc perifn :
The reft is eafy : For the glutted Troops
Lie drown'd in Sleep ; the Dagger's cheapeft Prey.
Almanzor, v/ith his Friends, will circle round
The Avenues of the Palace. Othm an and I
Will lead our brave Confederates (all fwora
To
50 B A R B A R O S S A.
To conquer or to die) and burft the Gates
Of this foul Den. Then tremble Barbarossa !
S E L 1 M,
Oh, how the near Approach of this great Hour
Fires all my Soul ! But, valiant Friends, I charge you,
Referve the Mufd'rer to my juft Revenge j
My Poignard claims his Blood.
O T H M A N.
Forgive me, Prince !
Forgive my Doubts !— Think— fliou'd the fair Irene—
S E L I M.
Thy Doubts are vain. I vi^ou'd not fpare the Tyrant,
Tho' the fweet Maid lay weeping at my Feet !
Nay, ihou'd he fall by any Hand but mine j
By Heav'n, I'd think my honor'd Father's Blood
Scarce half reveng'd ! My Love indeed is ftrong !
But Love fhall yield to Juftice !
S A D I.
Gallant Prince !
Bravely refolv'd !
S E L I M.
But is the City quiet ?
S A D I.
All, all is hufli'd. Throughout the empty Streets,
Nor Voice, nor Sound. As if th' Inhabitants^
Like the prefaging Herds that feek the Covert
Ere the loud Thunder rowls, had inly felt
And fhun'd th' impending Uproar.
O T H M A K.
There is a folemn Horror in the Night too.
That pleafes me : A general Paufe thro' Nature :
Ths Winds are hufh'd—
S A D I.
And as I pafs'd the Beach,
The lazy Billow fcarce cou'd lafh the Shore ;
Ner Star peeps thro' the Firmament of Heav'n—
S E L I M.
B A R B A R O S S A. 51
S E L I M.
And lo— where Eaftward, o'er the fullen Wave,
The warning Moon, depriv'd of half her Orb,
Rifes in Blood : Her Beam, well-nigh extinft.
Faintly contents with Darknefs— [Bell tolls.
Hark!— what meant
That tolling Bell ?
O T H M A M,
It rings the Midnight Watch.
S A D I.
This was the Signal —
Come, Othman, we are call'd : The pafling Minutes
Chide our Delay : Brave Othman, let us hence.
S E L I M.
One laft Embrace !— nor doubt, but crown'd with Glory,
We foon Ihall meet again. But oh, remember
Amid' Tumult's Rage, remember Mercy !
Stain not a righteous Caufe with guiltiefs Blood !
Warn our brave Friends, that we unfheath the Sword,
Not to deftroy, but fave ! Nor let blind Zeal,
Or wanton Cruelty, e'er turn its Edge
On Age or Innocence ! Or bid us ftab.
Where the moft pitying Angel in the Skies
That now looks on us from his bleft Abode,
Wou'd wifh that we fliou'd fpare.
Othman,
So may we profper.
As Mercy fhall dirccl us !
S E L I M.
Farewel, Friends !
S A D I.
Intrepid Prince, Farewel ! [Ex. Oth. gjuI Sadi,
S E L I M.
Now Sleep and Silence
Brood o'er the City.— The devoted Centinel
Now takes his lonely ftand ; and idly dreams,
Of that to-morrow, which fliall never come !
In
5^2 B A R B A R O S S a;
In this dread Interval, O bufy Thought,
From outward Things defcend into thyfelf ! -
Search deep my Heart! Bring with thee awful Confcience
And firm refolve ! That in th' approaching Hour
Of BJood and Horror, I may ftand unmov'd.
Nor fear to ftrike where Juftice calls, nor dare
To ftrilce where fhe forbids ' — Why bear I then
This dark, infidious Dagger?— 'Tis the Badge
Of vile Affaffins ; of the Coward Hand
That dares not meet its Foe .'--Detefted Thought !
Yet,— as foul Lull and Murder, tho' on Thrones
Triumphant, ftill retain their hell-born Quality ;
So Juftice, groaning beneath countlefs Wrongs,
Quits not her fpotlefs and celeftial Nature ;
But in th' unhallow'd Murderer's Difguife,
Can fancflify this Steel !
Then be it fo :— Witnefs, ye Pow'rs of Heav'n,
That not from you, but from the Murd'rer's Eye,
I wrap myfelf in Night !~To you I ftand
Reveal'd in Noon-tide Day !— Oh, cou'd I arm
My Hand with War ! Then like to you, array'd
In Storm and Fire, my fwift-avenging Thunder
Shou'd blaft this Tyrant. But fmce Fate denies
That Privilege, I'll fieze on what it gives :
Like the deep-cavern'd Earthquake, burft beneath him,
And whelm his Throne, his Empire, and himfelf,
Jn one prodigious Ruin .'
•^^
#^^
A C T'
B A R B A R O S S A. y^
A C T IV.
Enler Irene and Aladin.
Irene.
BUT didft thou tell him, Aladin, my Fears
Brook no Delay ?
Ala din.
I did.
Irene.
Why comes he not !
Oh, what a dreadful Dream ! — 'Tvvas furely more
Than troubled Fancy : Never was my Soul
Shook with fuch hideous Phantoms .'--Still he lingers !
Return, return; and tell him that his Daughter
Dies, till fhe warn him of his thrcatning Ruin !
Aladin.
Behold, he comes. [Exit Aladin.
Efiter Barbarossa.
B A R B A R O S S A.
Thou bane of all my Joys !
Some gloomy Planet furely rul'd thy Eirth !
Ev'n now thy ill-tim'd Fear fufpends the Banquet,
And damps the feftal Flour.
Irene.
Forgive m.y Fear !
Barbar o s sa.
What Fear, what Phantom hath poflefb'd thy Br?.in ?
Irene.
Oh guard thee from the Terrors of this Night.
For Terror lurks unfecn.
54 BARBAROSSA.
Barbarossa.
What Terror ? fpeak.
Wou'dfl thou unman me into female Wcakncfs ?—
Say, what thou dread'ft, and why ? I have a Soul
To meet the bldckeft Dangers undifmay'd.
Irene.
Let not my Father check with ftern Rebuke
The warning Voice of Nature. For ev'n now,
Retir'd to Reft, foon as I clos'd mine Eyes,
A horrid Vifion rofe— Methought I faw
Young Selim rifmg from the filent Tomb :
Mangled and Bloody was his Coarfe : his Hair
Clotted with Gore ; his glaring Eyes on Fire !
Dreadful he fhook a Dagger in his Hand.
By fome myfterious Pow'r he rofe in Air.
When lo,— at his Command, this yaiwning Roof
Was cleft in Twain, and gave the Phantom Entrance !
Swift he defcended with terrific Brow,
Rufh'd on my guardlefs Father at the Banquet,
And plung'd his furious Dagger in thy Breaft !
Barbarossa.
Wou'dft thou appal me by a brain-fick Vifion ?
Get thee to Reft.— Sleep but as found till Morn,
As Sel I M in his Grave fliall lleep for ever,
And then no haggard Dreams fhall ride thy Fancy !
Irene.
Yet hear me, deareft Father !
Barbarossa.
To the Couch !
Provoke me not.—
Irene.
What fhall I fay, to move him !
Merciful Heav'n, inftrudt me what to do 1
Enter A L A D i N .
Barbarossa.
What mean thy Looks ?— why doft thou gaze fo wildly ?
\ A I. A D I N.
BARBAROSSA. S5
A L A D I N.
I hafted to inform thee, that ev'n now,
Rounding the Watch, I met the brave Abdalla,
Breathlefs with Tydings of a Rumour dark.
Which runs throughout the City, that young Selim
Is yet aUve —
Barbarossa.
May Plagues confume the Tongue
That broach'd the Falfhood ! — 'Tis not poffible—
What did he tell thee further ?
A L A D I N.
More he faid not :
Save only, that the fpreading Rumour wak'd
A Spirit of Revolt.
Irene.
O gracious Father ! —
Barbarossa.
The Rumour lies.— And, yet, your Coward Feaft
Infea me !— What !— (hall I be terrify'd
By midnight Vifions ?-— Can the troubled Brain
Of Sleep out-ftretch the Reafon's waking Eye .?
I'll not believe it.
A L A D I N.
But this gath'ring Rumour— -
Think but on that, my Lord !
Barbarossa.
Infernal Darknefs
Swallow the Slave thatrais'd it !— Yet, I'll do
What Caution dilates.— Hark thee. Aladin—
Slave, hear my Will.— See that the Watch be doubled—
Seek out this ftrange Achmet ; and forthwith
Let him be brought before me.
Irene.
O my Father !
I do conjure thee, as thou lov'ft thy Life,
Retire, and truft thee to thy faithful Guards-
See not this Achmet !
Bar
S6 BARBAROSSA.
Barbarossa.
Not fee him ?— Death and Torment! —
Think'il thoii, I fear a fing]e Arm that's mortal J^
Not fee him ?— Forthwith bring the Slave before me.—
If he prove falfe^— if hated Se^im live,
I'll heap fuch Vengeance on him
Irene.
Mercy ! Mercy !
Barbarossa.
Mercy,— To vi^hom ?
I r E N E .
To me :— and to thyfelf :
To him— to all— -Thou think'ft I rave ; yet true'
My Vifions are, as ever Prophet utter'd.
When Heavn infpires his Tongue !
' Barbarossa.
Ne'er did the Moon-ftruck Madman rave with Dreams
More wild than thine .'—Get thee to reft j e'er yet
Thy Folly wake my Rage.— GaJI Achmet hither.
Irene.
Thus proftrate on my Knees ! — O fee him not.
Selim is dead :— Indeed the Rumour lies !--
There is no Danger near :~Or, if there be,
Achmet is innocent !'
Ba rbarossa,
OfF, frantic Wretch !
Thisldeot-Dream hath turn'd her Brain to Madncfs I
Hence— to thy Chamber, till returning Reafon
Hath calm'd thisTempefr.— On thy Duty hence f
Ire k e.
Yet hear the Voice of Caution !— Cruel Fate !
What have I done !— Heav'n iliield my deareft Father !
Heav'n (hield the innocent !— Undone Irene !
Whate'er ih' Event, thy Doom is Mifcry. [E.rit Irene.
Barbarossa.
Her Words arcv/raptin Darknefs.—ALADiK,
Forthv.ith fend Achmet hither.--Mark him welK—
His
M
BARBAROSSA. S7
His Countenance and Gefture.— Then with fpeed,
Double the Centinels. {Exit AladIN.
Infernal Guilt !
How doft thou rife in ev'ry hideous Shape,
Of Rage and Doubt, Sufpicion and Defpair,
To rend my Soul ! more wretched far than they.
Made wretched by my Crimes !-— Why did I not
Repent, while yet my Crimes were delible !
Ere they had ftruck their Colours thro' my Soul,
As black as Night or Hell !— 'Tis now too late !—
Hence then, ye vain Repinings !— Take me all,
Unfeeling Guilt ! O banifh, if thou canft.
This fell Remorfe, and ev'ry fruitlefs Fear !
Be this my Glory, — to be great in Evil !
To combat my own Heart, and, fcorning Confclence,
Rife to exalted Crimes !
Enter Selim.
Come hither. Slave : —
Hear me, and tremble :~Art thou what thou fcem'fl ?
Selim.
Ha!--
Barbarossa.
Do'ft thou paufe ?— By Hell, the Slave's confounded !
Selim.
That Barbarossa (hou'd fufpedl my Truth !
Barearossa.
Take heed ! For by the hov'ring Pow'rs of Vengeance,
If I do find thee treach'rous, I will doom thee
To Death and Torment, fuch as human Thought
Ne'er yet conceiv'd ! Thou com'ft beneath the Guife
Of Selim's Murderer.— Now tell me :-— Is not
That Selim yet alive?
Selim.
Selim alive !
Barbarossa.
Perdition on thee ! Doft thou echo me !
A»fwcr me quick, or Die ! {Drawi his Dagger.
£ SfLIM.
58 B A R B A R O S S A.
S E L I M.
Yes, freely ftrike.—
Already haft thou giv'n the fatal Wound,
And pierc'd my Heart with thy unkind Sufpicion!
Oh, cou'd my Dagger find a Tongue, to tell
How deep it drank his Blood .'—But fmce thy Doubt
Thus wrongs my Zeal,— Behold my Breaft— ftrike here—
For bold is Innocence.
B ARE ARO S S A.
I fcern the Tafk. [Puts up bis Dagger.
Time fhall decide thy Doom.— Guards, mark me well.
See that ye watch the Motions of this Slave :
And if he meditates t'efcape yeur Eye,
Let your good Sabres cleave him to the Chine.
S E L I M.
I yield me to thy Will, and when thou know'ft
That Selim lives, or feeft his hated Face,
Then wreak thy Vengeance on me.
Barb ARQ s s a.
Bear him hence.—
Yet, on your Lives, await me v.'ithin Call.--
I will have deeper luquifition made :
Haply fome Witnefs may confront the Slave,
And drag to Light his Falfnooti.
[Exetint Selim atui Gunrds,
Call Zaphira. [Exit a Slave.
If Selim lives— then what is Barearossa f ,
My Throne's a Bubble, that but fioats in Air,
Till Marriagc-F.ites declare Zaphira nVine.—
Fool that I am ! To wait the weak Eftetls
Of flow Pcrfuafion : when unbounded Pow'r
Can give me all I wifli '---Slave, hear my Will,--
Fly,-— bid the Prieft prepare the Marriage-Rites.
Let Incenfe rife to Heav'n ; and choral Sdngs
Attend Zaphira to the nuptial Bed. {Exit Slave, i
I will not brook Delay.— By Love and Vengeance, '•
Thii Hour decides her Fate !
Enter
f
B A R B A R O S S A. .59
Enter Z A P H i R A.
Well, haughty Fair.—
Hath Reafon yet fubdu'd thee ? Wilt thou hear
The Voice of Love ?
Z A P H I R A.
Why doft thou vainly urge me ?
Thou know'ft my fix'd Refolve.
Barbaros sa.
Can aught but Phrenzy
Rufli on Perdition ?
Z A P H I R A.
Therefore fliall no Pow'r
E'er make me thine.
Barbarossa.
Nay, fport not with my Rage :
Tho' yon fufpedted Slave affirms him dead ;
Yet Rumour whifpers, that young Selim lives,
Z a P H I R A.
Cou'd I but think him fo ! my earneft Pray'r
Shou'd rife to Heav'n, to keep him far from thee ?
BaRBAPvOSSA.
Therefore, left Treach'ry undermine my Pow'r,
Know, that thy final Hour of Choice is come !
Z A P H I R A.
I have no Choice. ---Think'ft thou I e'er will wed
The Murderer of my Lord ?
Barbabossa.
Take heed, ralh Queen .'
Tell me thy laft Refolve.
Z A P H I R A.
Then hear me, Heav'n !
Hear all ye Pow'rs that watch o'er Innocence f
Angels of Light ! And thou, dear honor'd Shade
Of my departed Lord ! attend, while her*.
I ratify with Vows my laft Refolve .'
Ff e'er I wed this Tyrant Murderer,
If I pollute mc with this 1-iOrrid Uqion,
E 2 Black
6o BARBAROSSA.
Black as Adultery or damned Inceft,
May ye, the Miniilers of Heav'ii, depart.
Nor fhed your Influence on the guilty Scene ! —
May Horror blacken all our Days and Nights !
May Difcord light the Nuptial Torch ! And rifing
From Hell, may Iwarming Fiends in Triumph howl
Around th' accurfed Bed f
Barb A ROSS A.
Begone, Remorfe ! —
Guards do your Office : Drag her to the Altar.
Heed not her l^ears or Cries.— What ?— dare ye doubt?
Inftant obey my Bidding ;--or, by Hell,
'I'orment and Death fhall overtake you all !
[Guards go to felze Zaphira*
Z A P H I R A,
O fpare me "---Hcav'n protect me !—0 my Son,
Wert thou but here, to lave thy helplefs Mother !— -
What fnall I do !— Undone, undone Zaphira !
E}iter S E L I M.
S E L I M.
Who caird on Achmet r— -Did not Barbarossa
Require me here r
Barbarossa,
Officious Slave, retire ?
I call'd ihte not.
Zaphira.
O kind and gen'rous Strany:cr, lend thy Aid \
O rcfcuerme frovn thcl'e impending Horrors !
Heav'n will reward thy Pity !
Barbarossa.
Drag her hence !
S E L I M.
Pity her Woes, O mighty BARBAROssAf
Barbarossa.
Rouze not my Vengeance, Slave !
S £ L I M.
Oh, hear me, hear me ! [Kneels.
I Bar-
B A R B A R O S S A. 6i
Barbarossa.
Curfe on thy forward Zeal ! —
S E L I M.
Yet, yet have Mercy.
[Lays /W^/o/'Barbarossa's Garment.
Barbarossa.
Prefuming Slave, begone ! [Strikes Selim.
S E L I M.
Nay, then,— die Tyrant.
[Rifes, and a'nns tojiab Barbarossa.
Barbarossa wi-eJJs his Dagger frotn hiju.
Barbarossa.
Ah, Traitor, have I caught thee. Hold— forbear—
[To Guards who offer to kill Selim.
Kill him not yet.— I will have greater Vengeance. --
Perfidious Wretch, who art thou ?— Bring the Rack :
Let that extort the Secrets of his Heart.
Selim.
Thy impious Threats are loft ! I know that Death
And Torments are my Doom.— Yet, ere I die,
I'll ftrike thy Soul with Horror.— Off, vile Habit \~~
Let me emerge from this dark Cloud that hides me,
And make my Setting glorious !— If thou dar'ft,
Now view me .'—Hear me. Tyrant .'—while with Voice
More dreadful than of Thunder, I proclaim.
That he who aim'd the Dagger at thy Heart,
L Selim !
Z A P H I R A.
O Hcav'n ! my Son ! my Son ! [She faints.
S E L 1 M.
Vnhappy Mother ! [Ruris to embrace her.
Barbarossa.
Tear them afunder. - [Guards fepar ate them.
S e L I M.
Barb'rous, barb'rous Ruffians !
Barbarossa.
Slaves, feiee the Traitor. [TJjey offer to feize hi?n.
E 3 Selim.
62 B A R B A R O S S A.
S E L 1 M.
Off, yc vile Slaves ! I am your King !— Retire,
And tremble at my Frowns ! That is the Traitor ;
That is the Murd'rer, Tyrant, Ravifh^r : Seize him.
And do your Country Right !
Barbarossa.
Ah, Coward Dogs !
Start ye at Words !~or feize him, or by Hell,
This Dagger ends you all. \They feize him-
S E L I M.
'Tis done !— Doft thou revive, unhappy Queen I
Now arm thy Soul with Patience !
Z A P H I R A.
My dear Son !—
Do I then live, once more to fee my Selim I--
But Oh— to fee thee thus !— \tVeeptng.
Selim.
Canft thou behold
Her fpeechlefs Agonies, and not relent I
Barbarossa.
At length Revenge is mine ! —Slaves, force her hence !
This Hour fliall crown my Love.
Z AP HIR A.
O Mercy, Mercy!
Selim.
Lo ! Barbarossa! thou at length haft conquer'd !
Behold a haplefs Prince, o'erwhelm'd with Woes, [Kneels.
Proftrate before thy Feet!~Not for myfelf
I plead !— Yes, plunge the Dagger in my Breaft !
Tear, tear me piecemeal ! But, O fpare Zaphira !—
Yet, yet relent ! force not her Matron Honour !
Reproach not Heav'n !—
Bare A ROSS a.
Have I then bent thy Pride ?
Why, this is Conqueft ev'n beyond my Hope !--
Lie there, thou Slave ! lie, till Zaphira's Cries
Arouze thee from thy Pofture !
Selim.
Doft thou infult my Griefs ?--unmanly Wretch !—
Curfe
I
B A R B-A R OSS. A. 63
Curfe on die Fear that cou'd betray my Limbs, [Rijing.
My Coward Limbs, to this difhoneft Pofture •
Long have I fcorn'd, Lnow defy thy Powr.
B AREAROS S A.
I'll put thy boafted Virtue to the Trial.—
Sla\es, bear him to the Rack.
Z A P H I R A.
O fpare my Son ! ''
Sure filial Virtue never was a Crime ? . .
Save but my Son !— I yield me to thy WIfli I—
What do I fay !— The Marriage Vow— O Horror/
This Hour fhall make me thine !—
S E L I M.
What ! doom thyfelf
The guilty Partner of a Murderer's Bed,
Whofe Hands yet reek with thy<lear Hufband's Blood!—
To be the Mother of deftru6live Tyrants,
The Curfes of Mankind !— By Heav'n, I fwear.
The guilty Hour that gives thee to the Arms
Of thiit -detefted Murderer, jQiall end
This hated Life !--
B A R B A R O S S A.
Or yield thee, or he dies ! --
Z A P H IR A.
The Conflict's paft.— I will refume my Greatnefs :
We'll bravely die, as we have liv'd, with Honour !
[Embracmg.
S E L I M.
Now, Tyrant, pour thy fierceft Fui*y on us :—
Now fee, defpairing Guilt ! that Virtue ftill
Shall conquer, tho' in Ruin.
Barb A ROSS A.
Drag them hence :
Her to the Altar :—Seliivi to his Fate.
Z APHIRA.
O Selim ! O my Son !— Thy Doom is Death .'
Wou'd it -were mine !
E 4 Seluj,
64 B A R B A R O S S A.
S E L I M.
Wou'd I cou'd give it thee I
Is there no Means to fave her ! Lend, ye Guards,
Ye Mmifters of Death, in Pit)' lend
Your Swords, or fome kind Weapon of Deftruction ! —
Sure the moft mournful Boon, that ever Son
Afk'd for the beft of ^^others !
Z A P H I R A .
Deareft Selim !
Barbarossa.
Ill hear no more. —Guards, bear them to their Fate.
[Guards feize tbcm.
S E L I M.
One laft Embrace !
Farewel ! Farewel for ever ? [Guards JiruggU Uiith than.
Z A P H I R A.
One Moment yet !— Pity a Mother's Pangs !—
O Selim !
S E L I M.
O my Mother ! [Exemt Selim crj Zaphira.
Barbarossa.
My dearefl Kop^s are blafted ?— What is Pow'r ;
If ftubbom \'irtue thus out-lbar its Flight '
Yet he fliall die.— and {he—
Enter A L A D I N,
A L A D 1 N.
Heav'n guard my Lord I
B A p. B A R O 5 5 A.
What mean'/l thou, Aladix ?
A L A D I N.
A Slave arrived.
Says that ycung Selim live* : Nav, fomev*-bcrc lurks
Within tljefe Walls.
Barbarossa.
The lurldng Traitor's found,
Convi5:ed, and difarm'd.— Ev'n now he aim'd
This Dagger at my Heart. Aladiw.
BARBAROSSA. 65
A L A D I N.
Audacious Traitor !
The Slave fays further, that he brings thee Tydings
Of dark Confpiracy, now hov'ring o'er us :
And claims thy private Ear.
Barbarossa.
Of dark Confpiracy ?
Where ?— Among whom ?
A L A D I N.
The fecret Friends of Selim,
Who nightly haunt the City.
Barbarossa.
Curfe the Traitors !
Now fpeed thee Aladin.— Send forth our Spies :
Explore their Haunts. For, by th' infernal Pow'rs,
I will let loofe my Rage.— The furious Lion
Now foams indignant, fcorning Tears and Cries.
Let Selim forthwith die.— Come, mighty Vengeance I
Stir me to Cruelty ! The Rack fhall groan
With new-born Horrors !--I will ifTue forth.
Like Midnight-Pcftilence ! My Breath fhall ftrew
The Streets with Dead ; and Havock ftalk in Gore.
Hence, Pity !--Feed the milky Thought of Babes :
Mine is of bloodier Hue.
ACT
66 B A R B A R O S S A.
i
ACT V.
EnUr BaRbarossa and A l a d i n,
Barbarossa.
Is the Watch doubled ? Are the Gates fecur'd
Againft Surprize ?
A L A D I N.
They are, and mock th' Attempt
Of Force or Treacher)'.
Barbarossa.
This whifper'd Rumour
Of dark Confplracy, on further Inqueft,
Seems but a falfe Alarm. Our Spies, fent out, --
And now return'd from Search, affirm that Sleep *
Has wrap'd the City, n
A L a DIN, r
But whilfe Selim lives,
Deftruilion lurks within the Palace Walls ;
Nor Bars, nor Ccntincls can give us Safety. , j
-Barbarossa. ^
Right, Aladin. His Hour oFFate approaches.--
How goes the Night ?
Aladin.
The fecond Watch is near.
Barbarossa,
'Tis well :— Whene'er it rings the Traitor dies.
So hath my Will ordain'd.— I'll feize th' Occafion,
While I may fairly plead my Life's Defence.
Aladin.
True : For he aim'd his Dagger at thy Heart.
Barbarossa.
He did. Hence Juftice, uncompell'd, fliall fccm
To lend her Sword, and do Ambition's Work.
I" y A ^ At A-
BARBAROSSA, 67
A L A D i liJ.
His bold Refolves have fteel'd ZAfftiRA's Breafl:
Againft thy Love : Thence he defen'es to die.
Barbarossa.
And Death's his Doom.— Yet, firft the Rack fhall rend
Each Secret from his Heart ; unlefs he give
Zaphira to my Arms, by Marriage-Vows,
With full Confent ; ere yet the fecond WaPch
Toll for his Death.— Curfe on this Woman's Weaknefs !
I yet wou'd v^^in her Love ! Hafte, feek outOrHMAN:
Go, tell him, that Deftru<5lion and the Sword
Hang o'er young Selim's Head, if fwift Compliance
Plead not his Pardon, [Exit. Aladin.-
Stubborn Fortitude !
Plad he not interpos'd, Succefs had crown'd
My Love, now hopelefs.— Then let Vengeance feizehim.
ErUtr Irene.
Irene.
O Night of Horror '--Hear me, honor'd Father !
If e'er Irene's Peace was dear to thee,
No\v bear me I
BarbaRossa.
Impious ! Dar'ft thou difobey ?
Did not my facred Will ordain thee hence ?
Get thee to Reft ; for Death is ftirring here.
Irene.
O fatal Words f By ev'ry facred Tye^
Recall the dire Decree !—
Barbarossa.
What woud'ft thou fay ?
Whom plead for ?
Irene.
Far a brave unhappy Prince,
Sentenc'd to die. -
Barbarossa.
And juftly/— But this Hour»
The Traitor half fulfill'd thy Dream, and aim'd
His Dagger at my Heart.
Irene.
65 B A R B A R O S S A.
Irene.
Might Pity plead !
Barbaros sa.
What !— plead for Treachery ?
Irene.
Yet Pity might beftow a milder Name.
Woud'fl: thou not love the Child, whofe Fortitude
Shou'd hazard Life for thee ?— Oh, think on that :—
The noble Mind hates not a virtuous Foe :
His gen'rous Purpofe was to fave a Mother !
Barbarossa.
Damn'd was his Purpofe : And accurft art Thou,
Whofe Perfidy wou'd fave the dark AfTaffin,
Who fought thy Father's Life !- -Hence, from my Sight.
Irene.
Oh, never, till thy Mercy fpare my Selim !
Barbarossa.
Thy Selim ?— -Thine ?
Irene.
Thou know'ft— by Gratitude
He's mine.— Had not his generous Hand redeem'd mc,
What then had been Irene ?
Barbarossa.
Faithlefs Wretch ?
Unhappy Father ! whofe perfidious Child
Leagues with his deadlieft; Foe ; -and guides the Dagger
Ev'n to his Heart !— Perdition catch thy Falftiood !
And is it thus, a thanklefs Child repays me,
For all the Guilt in which I plung'd my Soul,
To ralfe her to a Throne !
Irene.
O fpare thefe Words,
More keen than Daggers to my bleeding Heart !
Let me not live fufpeited!— Deareft Father! —
Behold my Breaft ! write thy Sufpiclons here :
Write them in Blood ; But fpare the gen'rous Youth,
Who fav'd mc from Difiaonour .'
Ear.
BARBAROSSA. 69
Barbarossa.
By the Pow'rs
Of great Revenge : thy fond Intreaties feal
His inftant Death.— In him, I'll punifh thee.—
Away !
Irene.
Yet hear me ! Ere my tortur'd Soui
Rufli on fome Deed of Horror !
Barbarossa.
Seize her. Guards.—
Convey the frantic Ideot from my Prefence :
See that {he do no Violence on herfelf.
Irene.
O Selim !— generous Youth I—how have my Fears
Betray'd thee to Deftruclion ! --Slaves, unhand me !—
Think ye, I'll live to bear thefe Pangs of Grief,
Thefe Horrors that opprefs my tortur'd Soul ? —
Inhuman Father '.--Generous, injur'd Youth !.—
Methinks I fee thee flretch'd upon the Rack,
Hear thy expiring Groans !-— O Horror ! Horror I
What fhall I do to favehim !---Vain, alas !
Vain are my Tears and Pray'rs !--At leaft, I'll die.
Death fhall unite us yet! [Exit Irene atid Guards.
Barbarossa.
O Torment, Torment !
Ev'n in the midft of Pow'r [--the vileft Slave
More happy far than I !--The very Child,
Whom my Love cherifh'd from her infant Years,
Confpires to blaft my Peace !— O falfe Ambition,
Thou lying Phantom ! whither haft thou lur'd me !
Ev'n to this giddy Height ; where now I ftand,
Forfaken, comfortlefs ! with not a Friend
In whom my Soul can truft !
Eniey- A L A d i N.
Haft thou fccn Othman ?
He will not, fuie, confpire againft my Peace.
A I. A-
70 B A R B A R 0 S S A.
Al AD I N.
He's fled my Lord. I dread fome lurking Ruin.
The Centincl bn Watch fays, that he pafs'd
The Gate,-fmce Midnight, with an unknown Friend ;
And as they pafs'd, Othivian in Whifpers faid,
** Now farewel, bloody Tyrant."
Barbarossa.
Slave, thou ly'ft.
He did not dare to fay it. Or, if he did,
Pernicious Slave, why doft thou wound my Ear
By the foul Repitition ?— Gracious Pow'rs,
Let me be calm !-- rO my diftratSted Soul!—
How am I rent in Pieces !— Othman fled !—
Why then may all Hell's Curfes follow him! —
What's to be done ? Some Mifchief lurks unfeen.
A L A D I N.
Prevent it then—
Barbarossa.
By Selim's inftant Death—
A L A D I N-
Ay, doubtlefs. -
Barbarossa.
Is the Rack prepar'd ?
A L A D I N.
'Tis ready.
Along the Ground he lies, o'erwhclm'd with Chains.
The Minifters of Death ftand round j and wait
Thy lafl: Command.
Barbarossa.
Once more Pll try to bend
His ftubborn Soul.— Conduct me forthwith to him :
And if he now difdain my prpfer'd Kindnefs,
Deftruaion fwallows him ! [Exeunt.
Selim difcoverdin Chains^ Executioners, Officer, &c. «?;rfRack.
S E L I M.
I pray you, Friends,
When I am dead. Icinot Indio;nIty
Infult
B A R B A R O S S A. 71
Infult thefe poor Remains. See them interr'd
Clofe by my Father's Tomb ! I afk no more.
Officer.
They fhall.
S E L I M.
How goes the Night ?
O F F I C E ft.
Thy Hour of Fate,
The fecond Watch is near.
S E L I M.
Let it come on ;
I am prepar'd.
Enter Barbarossa.
Barbarossa.
So— raife him from the Ground.— ^They ralfe him.
Perfidious Boy ! Behold the juft Rewards
Of Guilt and Treachery !— Didft thou not give
Thy forfeit Life, whene'er I fhould behold
Selim's detefted Face ?
S E L I M.
Then take it, Tyram.
Barbarossa.
Didft thou not aim thy Dagger at my Heart ?
S E L I M.
I did.
Barbarossa.
Yet Heav'n defeated thy Intent ;
And fav'd me from the Dagger.
S E L I M,
'Tis not ours,
To queftion Heav'n. Tli' Intent and not the Deed
Is in our Pov/'r : and therefore who dares greatly.
Does greatly.
Barbarossa.
Yet bethink thee, ftubborn Boy,
What Horrors now furround thee-—
S L 1.1 M.
72 B A R B A R O S S A.
S E L I M.
Think'ftthou, Tyrant,
I came lb ill prepar'd ?— Thy Rage is weak.
Thy Torments pow'rlefs o'er the fteady Mind :
He who cou'd bravely dare, can bravely fufter.
Barbarossa.
Yet, lo, I come, by Pity led, to (pare thee.
Relent, and fave Zaphira !— For the Bell
Ev'n now expefls the Centinel, to toll
The Signal of thy Death.
S E L I M.
Let Guilt like thine
Tremble at Death : I fcorn his darkeft Frown.
Hence, Tyrant, nor prophane my dying Hour !
Barbarossa.
Then take thy Wifn. [Bell tolls.
There goes the fatal Knell.
Thy Fate is fcal'd.— Not all thy Mother's Tears,
Nor Pray'rs, nor Eloquence of Grief, fh all fave thee.
From inftant Death. Yet ere th' AfTaffin die.
Let Torment wrino; each Secret from his Heart.
The Traitor Othman's fled ;--Confpiracy
Lurks in the Womb of Night, and threatens Ruin.
Spare not the Rack, nor ccafe, till it extort
The lurking TreafoJi ; and this Murd'rer call
On Death, to end his Woes. [Exit Barbarossa.
S E L I M.
Come on then. [They hind him.
Begin the Work of Death.— what ! bound with Cords,
Like a vile Criminal !— -O, valiant Friends,
When will ye give me Vengeance !
Enter Irene.
Irene.
Stop, O flop !
Hold your accurfed Hands !— On mc, on me.
Pour all your Tormects .'-How ihall I approach thee !
S £ L I M.
BARBAROSSA. 73
S E L I M,
Thefe are thy Father's Gifts! --Yet thou art guiltleTs:
' Then let me take thee to my Heart, thou beft
Moft amiable of Women !
Irene,
Rather curfe me.
As the Betrayer of thy Virtue !
S £ L I M.
Ah!
Irene.
'Twas I — my Fears, my frantic Fears bctray'd thee I
Thus falling at thy Feet ! may I but hope
For Pardon ere I die !
S E L I M.
Hence, to thy Father !
Irene.
Never, O ne\'er !— Crawling in the Duft,
I'll clafp thy Feet, and bathe them with my Tears {
Tread me to Earth ! I never will complain j
But my laft Breath fhall blefs thee ?
S E L I M.
Lov'd Irene !
What hath my Fury done ?
Irene.
Indeed, 'twas hard !
But I was born to Sorrow !
S E HM.
Melt me not.
I cannot bear thy Tears ;— They quite unman me I
Forgive the Tranfports of my Rage !
I R E N E.
Alasf
The Guilt is mine:~Canft thou forgive thofe Fears
That firft awak'd Sufpicion in my Father !
Thofe Fears that have undone thee ! — Heav'n is witnefs.
They meant not 111 to thee !
F Selim.
74 BARBAROSSA.
S E L I M.
None; none, Irene!
No ; 'twas the generous Voice of filial Love :
That, only, prompted thee to fave a Father.
Yes ; from my inmoft Soul I do approve
That Virtue which deftroys me.
Irene.
Canfi: thou, then,
Forgive and pity me ?
S E L I M.
I do,— I do.
Irene.
On my Knees,
Thus let me thank thee, generous, injur'd Prince f—
Oh Earth and Heav'n ! That fuch unequal'd Worth
Shou'd meet fo hard a Fate !— That I— That I—
Whom his Love refcu'd from the Depth of Woe,.
Shou'd be th' accurfl Deftroyer [--Strike , in Pity;
And end this hated Life !
S E L I M.
Ceafe, dear Irene.
Submit to Heav'n's high Will.— I charge thee live ;
And to thy utmoft Pow'r, protedl from Wrong
My helplefs, friendlefs, Mother !
Irene.
With my Life
I'll fhield her from each Wrong.— That Hope alone
Can tempt me to prolong a Life of Woe !
S E L I M.
O my ungovern'd Rage !— To frown on Thee I
Thus let me expiate the cruel Wrong, [Emhrachig .
And mingle Rapture with the Pains of Death !
Officer.
No more. --Prepare the Rack.
I R £ N £.
Stand off, ye Fiends !
Here will I cling. No Pow'r on Earth (hall part ns
Till I have far'd mv Selim I [J A'^{A"-
Of-
B A R B A R O S S A. 75
Officer.
Hark ! what Noife
Strikes on mine Ear ? [J Noife,
S E L I M.
Again \
ALADI^^ [JFithnut.
Arm, arm l—Treach'ry and Murder !
[ Executioners go to feize S e L i M ,
S E L I M.
OfF Slaves !— Or I will turn my Chains to Arms,
And dafh you Piece-meal !--For I have heard a Sound,
Which lifts my tow'ring Soul to Atlas' Height,
That I cou'd prop the Skies.
A L AD I N.
Where is the King ?
The Foe pours in : The Palace Gates are burft :
The Centinels are murder'd ! Save the King !
They feek him thro' the Palace !
Officer.
Death and Ruin !
Follov/ me. Slaves, and fave him.
[Ex. Officer and Executioner.
S E L I M.
Now, bloody Tyrant ! Now, thy Hour is come !
Irene.
What means yon mad'ning Tumult ?— O my Fears !—
S E L I M.
Vengeance at length hath pierc'd thefe guilty Walls,
And walks her deadly Round !
Irene.
Whom doll thou mean .? my Father ?
S E L I M .
Yee: Thy Father ;
Who murder'd mine !
Irene.
Is there no room for Mercy ?
O Selim ! by our Love !—
F 2 Selim.
76 B A R B A R O S S A.
S E L I M.
Thy Tears are vain !
Vain were thy Eloquence, tho' thou didft plead
With an Archangel's Tongue I
Irene.
Spare but his Life !
S £ L I M.
Heav'n knows I pity thee. But he muft bleedj
Tho' my own Life-Blood, nay, tho' thine, more dear,
Shou'd iffue at the Wound !
Irene.
Mufi: he then die ?
Let me but fee my Father, ere he perifh !
Let me but pay my parting Duty to him ? —
\ClaJh of Swords.
Hark l—'twag the Clafh of Swords ' Heav'n fave my Father !
O cruel, cruel Selim ! [^Exit Irene.
S E L I M.
Curfe on this fervile Chain, that binds me faft.
In pow'rlefs Ignominy ; while my Sword
Shou'd hunt its Prey, and cleave the Tyrant down !
O T H M A N. [JVithotct.
Where is the Prince !
Selim.
Here, Othman, bound to Earth ?—
Set me but free '— O curfed, curfcd Chain !
Enter Othman and Party ^ whs free Selim.
Othman.
O my brave Prince !~Heav'n favours our Defign.
[Embraces him.
Take that :— I need not bid thee ufe it nobly.
[Giving him a Sword,
Selim.
Now, Barbarossa, let my Arm meet thine :
'Tis all I afk of Heav'n ! [Exit Selim.
Othman.
Guard ye the Prince— [Part g^ out.
Purfue his Steps. --Now this Way let n% turn.
And feek the Tyrant. [Exeunt Othman, Is'c.
B A R B A R OS S A. *jy
SCENE changes to the open Palace.
Enter Barbarossa.
Barbarossa.
Empire is loft, and Life : Yet brave Revenge
Shall clofe my Life in Glory.
Enter O t H M A N.
Have I found thee,'
Diflembling Traitor ? — Die ! —
O T H M A N.
Long hath my Wifh,
Pent in my ftruggling Breaft, been robb'd of Utterance,
Now Valour fcorns the Mafk.— I dare thee. Tyrant I
And arm'd with Juftice, thus wou'd meet thy Rage,
Tho' thy red right Hand grafp'd the pointed Thunder ?
Now, Heav'n decide between us! [They fight,
Barbarossa.
Coward !
Tyrant !
O T H M A N.
Barbarossa,
Traitor !
O T H M A N.
Infcanal Fiend, thy Words are fraught with Falfe-
hood.
To combat Crimes like Thine, by Force or Wiles,
Is equal Glory. [BARBAROSSAy^/A.
Bar barossa.
I faint ! I die !— O Horror ?
Enter S E L i M and S a D i.
S E LI M.
The Foe gives Way : Sure this Way went the Storm.
Where is the Tyger fled ?— What do I fee ?
S A D I.
Algiers is free !
O T H M A N.
This Sabre did the Deed I
S^LJM.
7$ BARBAROSSA.
S E L I M.
1 envy thee the Blow I— Yet Valour fcorns
To wound the fallen.— But if Life remain,
I will fpeak Daggers to his guilty Soul !—
Hoa ! Barbarossa I Tyrant ! Murderer!
'Tis Selim, Selim calls thee !
Barbarossa,
OfF, ye Fiends I
Torment me not !— O, Selim, art thou there I—
Swallow me Earth ! Bury me deep, ye Mountains J
Accurfed be the Day that gave me Birth !
Oh, that I had never wrong'd thee !
S £ L I M.
Dofl thou then
Repent thee of thy Crimes !— He does 1 He does !
He grafps my Hand ! See the repentant Tear
Starts from his Eye !— Doft thou indeed repent ?-«■
Why then I do forgive thee : From my Soul
I freely do forgive thee !— And if Crimes,
Abhorr'd as thine, dare plead to Heav'n for Mercy,-—
May Heav'n have Mercy on thee !
Barbarossa.
Gen'rous Selim !
Too good,--I have a Daughter ! Oh, protcfl her !—
Let not my Crimes !— [Dus.
O T H M A N.
There fltd the guilty Soul !
Selim.
Hafte to the City,--ftop the Rage of Slaughter.
Tell my brave People, that Algiers is free;
And Tyranny no more. [Exeunt Slaves.
S A D I.
And, to confirm
The glorious Tydings, foon as Morning (hines.
Be his dead Carcafe dragg'd throughout the City,
A Spedlacle of Horror!
Selim.
Curb thy Zeal.
Let us be Brave, not Cruel : Nor difgrace Valour
B A R B A R O S S A. 7(9
Valour, by barb'rous and inhuman Deeds.
Black was his Guilt : and he hath paid his Life,
The Forfeit of his Crimes. Then fheath the Sword :
Let Vengeance die,-Juftice is fatisfy'd I
Enter Z a F h i r a.
Z A P H I R A.
What mean thefe Horrors !— wherefoe'er I turn
My trembling Steps, I find fome dying Wretch,
Welt'ring in Gore ! — And doft thou live,'my Selim!
S £ L I M.
Lo, there he lies I
Za p h I r a.
The bloody Tyrant flain !
O righteous Heav'n !
S E L I M.
Behold thy valiant Friends,
Whofe Faith and Courage have o'erwhelm'd the Pow'r
Of Barbarossa. Here, once more, thy Virtues
Shall dignify the Throne and blefs thy People.
Z A P H I R A.
Juft are thy Ways, O Heav'n !— Vain Terrors hence \
Once more Zaphira's bleft !-- My virtuous Son,
How {hall I e'er requite thy boundlefs Love !
Thus let me fnatch thee to my longing Arms,
And on thy Bofom weep my Griefs away !
Selim.
O happy Hour I--happy, beyond the Flight
Ev'n of my ardent Hope !--Look down, bleft Shade,
From the bright Realms of Blifs !— Behold thy Queen
Unfpotted, unfeduc'd, unmov'd in Virtue.
Behold the Tyrant proftrate at my Feet !
And to the Mem'ry of thy bleeding Wrongs,
Accept this Sacrifice !
Z A P H IR A.
My generous Selim !
Selim.
Where is Irene ?
3 Wi:h
8o B A R B A R O S S A.
S A D I.
With Looks of Wildnefs, and diftrafted Mien,
She fought her Father where the Tumult rag'd :
She pafs'd me, while the Coward Ala din
Fled from my Sword : and as I cleft him down.
She fainted at the Sight.
O T H M A N.
But ftraight recover'd,
Zamor, our trufty Friend, at my Command,
Convey'd the weeping fair one to her Chamber.
S £ L IM.
Thanks to thy generous Care :— Come, let us feek
Th' afflided Maid.
Z A P H I R a.
Her Virtues might attone
For her Father's Guilt !---Thy Throne be hers ;
She merits all thy Love.
S E L I M.
Then hafte, and find her.— o'er her Father's Crim«ft
Pity fhall draw her Veil ; nay, half abfolve them.
When fhe beholds the Virtues of his Child ' —
Now let us thank th' eternal Pow'r : convinc'd,
ThatHcav'n but tries our Virtue by AiHi<51:ion :
That oft' the Cloud which wraps the prefent Hour,
Serves but to brighten all our future Days .'
FINIS.
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